At the beginning of my evolution, I was confronted with an opportunity from my own guide, Audrey Hope.  This phenomenal spiritual advisor challenged me with this simple charge.

“Be you.”

Of course in my self assured cockiness I easily dismissed her. For I wondered who else could I be if not myself? In reflection and humility, her sage words began to take on a different meaning, a different truth. What was behind that simple challenge?

Being You

I believe that we are all capable of greatness. Inside of all of us is a unique talent and gift that we are meant to share with the world. Some of us have the opportunity to share it with millions, others of us only with a selected few. There are folks that inspire us through sports. Musicians share their gift through notes and song. Filmmakers spin tales and images, while mothers inspire their children with clear, pure love. As we continue to evolve and grow in life, we learn what these gifts are.

What prevents us from finding and sharing these gifts are our own fears, insecurities, judgments, and expectations. Our ego clouds our intentions and creates obstacles that hinder this process. We doubt. We question. We keep ourselves small. A part of our personal journey is returning to our original self. We have been trained and socialized by society to find answers, truth, beauty, and wisdom from external sources. However that is a “human” folly.

All we seek is found within our own selves. The purity and innocence of children reflects this. They share their gifts simply by existing. However, most children lack the experience and wisdom to maintain this clarity when developing in our society.

In “being you,” you will be able to be authentic to your own personality. You will be able to make choices that ultimately serve not only yourself but others around you. Imagine living in this world, without doubt, fear or judgment? What would you be able to accomplish?

It Takes Time

This is no easy feat. A lot of people have little clue of who they really are. Most don’t put the effort or time to reflect upon themselves. Look deeply at your issues. Face the things that you fear. Who is your worst enemy? Yourself… The sooner you understand that, the sooner you can become your best friend.

As with anything, “being you” takes practice. We are easily swayed by the actions and thoughts of others. How can we be authentic? We must start with knowing who we are. This journey is often aided by discovering what our gifts are. Ask yourself these questions and find underlying truth, not the fabricated ones. These would be a great place to start.

In time other questions will arise, and the answers will solidify your authentic original self.

· What makes you smile? What do you do that makes others smile?

· What are you good at? What gives you a sense of satisfaction and peace?

· What makes you feel powerful and clear?

· What occurs in your dreams and nightmares?

· What are your darkest fears and insecurities?

· What do you avoid?

· Why do you act the way you do? Why do you say what you say?

· What are your judgments of yourself and others? What other seeds of thought can you come up with?

The Benefits

Why should we even bother with this time-enduring reflection? When we are not acting our authentic selves, we feel emptiness. We are not being true to our spirit and it is manifested in depression, anger, or other such disorders. We make rash decisions and fall into depression or dependencies such as alcohol and drug “addiction”, excessive shopping, judgments and blame, and other such negatives.

So what can you gain?

· Your actions and choices will be made in confidence.

· Your mistakes will be learned from rather than judged upon.

· Free yourself from fears and judgments.

· Step into your power and explore deeper gifts.

· Live in the present.

· Relieve yourself from worries and insecurities.

· Share your gifts and inspire those around you.

· Sleep better.

· Live healthier lives.

· Create and maintain loving relationships.

The opportunities are boundless. What will you gain? I believe that we are all capable of greatness. Inside of all of us is a unique talent and gift that we are meant to share with the world. Some of us have the opportunity to share it with millions, others of us only with a selected few.