Being True to Our Authentic Self … and Starting to Heal

We have analyzed what we say “yes” or “no” to and when we would really rather not say “yes” or “no”, but we say them anyway. We have analyzed when our authentic self is being submerged under a sense of duty, loyalty, or even love. Now we need to ask ourselves to be consciously aware of those times when we act in ways that are contrary to our authentic selves. For example, have you ever said to yourself, “I have to be strong for everyone else!” when your world was shattering around you? Why did you say “yes” to the extra workload and to being the strong one, when you really didn’t want to? I’m not saying you shouldn’t be the strong one or take on extra work. I’m repeating here Gabor Maté’s advice that you should be consciously aware of what you are doing when you are doing it.

          I recently found myself having to be “the strong one” while my body was rebelling and the resulting physical pain was terrible. Being aware that I was making the deliberate choice to act in a manner that was detrimental to my health, gave me some degree of control over my situation. There was a lot of pressure for me to leave, to save myself the pain that I inevitably went through. In fact, I made the deliberate choice to be true to my authentic self in that situation. I am a healer, so I stayed and comforted others who were in distress. If I had said “yes” to leaving the situation, when I really wanted to stay and help, I would have been acting contrary to my authentic self. I am sure that my pain would have been worse if I had left.

          Recognizing when we are acting in ways that are contrary to who we really are, who we are authentically, is crucial to healing ourselves. I hasten to add that it’s a crucial first step in healing ourselves because the journey to health is a long one.

          When are you acting in a manner that isn’t true to your authentic self? Are you acting that way out of a sense of loyalty, duty, love or necessity?

        To book an appointment with me, call or text 250 318-2079 or email heidiredl.writes@gmail.com