Embracing Authenticity
A Woman's Journey from White-Knuckling through Life to Finding Inner Peace
I’ve spent a lot of my life thinking “I’ll be happy when……”
And then years went by while I worked harder and harder to catch up with the “I’ll be happy when” belief. When I get married, when I have a family, when I succeed at work, and with each “goal” obtained, I eventually found myself right back where I started… onto chasing the next “when” to bring me that happiness hiding just around the corner.
I was caught in a cycle of chasing external validation as the ultimate measure of happiness and found myself caught in the trap of constantly seeking approval from others. For years, I was one of those women, white-knuckling through life, trying to force things to happen and relying heavily on external validation to feel worthy.
But as time passed and life threw its inevitable curveballs, I began to realize that this approach was not sustainable. It left me feeling exhausted, unfulfilled, and constantly striving for more without ever truly being satisfied.
It was during one of life's challenging moments, perhaps the most difficult yet, that I had a profound realization - the power of authenticity and inner peace. Instead of trying to force things to happen, I began to trust in the natural flow of life and embrace who I truly am, flaws and all.
This shift in perspective didn't happen overnight. It required a lot of inner work, self-reflection, and letting go of old beliefs and patterns that no longer served me. I started to prioritize my own well-being and happiness above seeking validation from others.
One of the most transformative practices I adopted was Gratitude. By focusing on the things I was grateful for in my life, no matter how small, I began to shift my perspective and find joy in the present moment. This simple yet powerful practice helped me let go of the need for external validation and find validation within myself.
Meditation and mindfulness also played a significant role in my journey towards inner peace. Through these practices, I learned to quiet the noise of the external world and connect with my inner self on a deeper level. It allowed me to tune into my intuition and trust the guidance it provided.
As I let go of the need for external validation and embraced authenticity, I found a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment. I no longer felt the need to hide behind a facade or seek approval from others to feel worthy. Instead, I embraced my imperfections and celebrated my uniqueness.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of authenticity and inner peace. By letting go of the need to white-knuckle through life and constantly seek external validation, I have found a sense of peace, fulfillment, and joy that I never knew was possible.
So to all the women out there who find themselves trapped in the cycle of seeking external validation, or hoping that happiness will be just around the corner in the next purchase, job, or person, I urge you to let go of the need to force things and embrace who you truly are.
Trust in the natural flow of life, prioritize your own well-being, and find validation within yourself. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of authenticity and inner peace are more than worth it.
This is the Kind of Community We Will Build Together
The Stepping Stones MH Community will be one where you can embrace your authentic self, flaws and all. A Community where we will learn how to UNLEARN all the limiting beliefs that hold us back and to how replace them with self-love, self-compassion, and self-acceptance using Meditation, Mindfulness, and Mindset strategies.
Join the Stepping Stones MH Community
Visit us for FREE bi-monthly posts that will inspire you, support you, and provide you will simple and fun strategies you can use to start living the life you have meant to live.
I’m so happy to be here to take this journey together.
Be Well, Nicole