I wouldn’t say I’ve learned to be authentic. There are still aspects of myself that I hide to varying degrees. Take social media for example. I haven’t mentioned relationships, sex, or dating.
I spent a good part of my life trying to be invisible. Honestly, starting therapy showed me that I was trying to hide from myself. I thought that if I didn't have to interact with people I wouldn't have to deal with my feelings. Now, I have been taking time to let myself go out and do things like the gym or sit in a coffee shop. I really want to meet and talk to people but I think it will happen in time as I continue to get more comfortable and confident with myself. Your writings have definitely helped me to reflect on my own life and feelings while also reassurance that I'm not alone in my feelings.
I'm so glad to hear it. Therapy has helped me a lot too. Things also take time. I always want to be further along than I am. It sounds like you're being kind to yourself in the process. I really respect that and is something I'm working on too. Thank you for sharing. It helps me know I'm not alone too.
It really takes a lot to be honest knowing you are being vulnerable. Authenticity might let know others our weaknesses but eventually it would become our strength!!
First of all thank you Grant for what you are doing: maybe you're not completely aware of the fact that many people are finding inspiration (and motivation) from you profound thoughts and reflections. Many are also trying to overcome similar problems to the ones you have - and this gives me a sense of community - which is amazing.
It makes me think that, after all, there are no real boundaries because we're all together in this tough and incredible thing called life. No one is really alone.
If I look around myself, all I can see some days is individualism and selfishness: everyone seems to be focused on themselves, on their lives, on their success or failure. There is little time for sharing and for empathy/compassion and this makes me feel alone.
Where are "friends" in times of need? Did you find true comfort and relief talking to your friends when your dad passed away? Were they close to you, so you got to feel a bit better? I hope so.
I sometimes feel discouraged about friendship, or maybe I haven't come across the right people in my life.
The fact that (just like it happens to you) I wasn't able in the past to pack and move to another country to fulfill my dreams at times makes me feel unhappy, a "loser". I do have a job as an English teacher in Italy, but over the last few years my passion and my enthusiasm have been going down: teaching is not (or no longer) how I intend it to be, it's just about red tape and paperwork and it's getting frustrating.
I didn't even form my own family because I was too focused on doing well at work, on perfecting myself, on always being the flawless teacher, "the one who doesn't make mistakes".
So this is where I am now. At 42 I still haven't realized what I really want to do in life: is it too late to find my own way in life?
I spent the last holidays questioning about myself in my head and feeling lonely. Even though deep inside myself I know I am a valuable person, I sometimes feel I haven't really achieved anything, that I haven't been able to build something lasting for myself for someone else.
Well, I don't want to go on for too long, but thank you. I'm grateful to you and this great community for giving me the opportunity to open up and embrace my weakness without the fear of being judged.
I agree with that too. I am intentional about what I share publicly. Shame did control my life for years. It was awful. Much of what I've done for the last few years is climb out of that shame hole. I think in some ways that experience is what has lead me to sharing so openly. Thanks for reading.
I love the authenticity and vulnerability of what you have written. I am inspired by it. Thanks so much for opening up and sharing! 💛
Thanks for reading :)
I spent a good part of my life trying to be invisible. Honestly, starting therapy showed me that I was trying to hide from myself. I thought that if I didn't have to interact with people I wouldn't have to deal with my feelings. Now, I have been taking time to let myself go out and do things like the gym or sit in a coffee shop. I really want to meet and talk to people but I think it will happen in time as I continue to get more comfortable and confident with myself. Your writings have definitely helped me to reflect on my own life and feelings while also reassurance that I'm not alone in my feelings.
I'm so glad to hear it. Therapy has helped me a lot too. Things also take time. I always want to be further along than I am. It sounds like you're being kind to yourself in the process. I really respect that and is something I'm working on too. Thank you for sharing. It helps me know I'm not alone too.
Oh wow. You wrote this so beautifully. Something I needed to hear today. Thank you so much for this. So inspiring and encouraging!
I’m so glad to hear it. Thank you for reading 😊
Firstly, great writing!!💯
It really takes a lot to be honest knowing you are being vulnerable. Authenticity might let know others our weaknesses but eventually it would become our strength!!
Good luck with your future posts 🍀
Thank you!
First of all thank you Grant for what you are doing: maybe you're not completely aware of the fact that many people are finding inspiration (and motivation) from you profound thoughts and reflections. Many are also trying to overcome similar problems to the ones you have - and this gives me a sense of community - which is amazing.
It makes me think that, after all, there are no real boundaries because we're all together in this tough and incredible thing called life. No one is really alone.
If I look around myself, all I can see some days is individualism and selfishness: everyone seems to be focused on themselves, on their lives, on their success or failure. There is little time for sharing and for empathy/compassion and this makes me feel alone.
Where are "friends" in times of need? Did you find true comfort and relief talking to your friends when your dad passed away? Were they close to you, so you got to feel a bit better? I hope so.
I sometimes feel discouraged about friendship, or maybe I haven't come across the right people in my life.
The fact that (just like it happens to you) I wasn't able in the past to pack and move to another country to fulfill my dreams at times makes me feel unhappy, a "loser". I do have a job as an English teacher in Italy, but over the last few years my passion and my enthusiasm have been going down: teaching is not (or no longer) how I intend it to be, it's just about red tape and paperwork and it's getting frustrating.
I didn't even form my own family because I was too focused on doing well at work, on perfecting myself, on always being the flawless teacher, "the one who doesn't make mistakes".
So this is where I am now. At 42 I still haven't realized what I really want to do in life: is it too late to find my own way in life?
I spent the last holidays questioning about myself in my head and feeling lonely. Even though deep inside myself I know I am a valuable person, I sometimes feel I haven't really achieved anything, that I haven't been able to build something lasting for myself for someone else.
Well, I don't want to go on for too long, but thank you. I'm grateful to you and this great community for giving me the opportunity to open up and embrace my weakness without the fear of being judged.
Have a good day - Valentina
I agree with that too. I am intentional about what I share publicly. Shame did control my life for years. It was awful. Much of what I've done for the last few years is climb out of that shame hole. I think in some ways that experience is what has lead me to sharing so openly. Thanks for reading.