We’re all imperfect, so let your true self be seen

We all have parts of ourselves that we choose to keep hidden from the people around us - perhaps those aspects of our character that we don’t think are socially acceptable, or things we’re afraid other people might judge or reject us for. Or it may be that we’ve been told it’s self-indulgent to share too much of ourselves and what matters to us.

For one reason or another, most of us have been editing ourselves - usually to try and fit in - for most of our lives. The trouble is, by the time we arrive at mid-life, some of us have lost sight of who we really are.

In reality, there’s nothing self-indulgent about sharing who we are and what matters to us with other people. What’s more, during the process of change, we often find that we reveal more of our true selves to the people that matter. We’re all individuals: distinct and unique from one another and with different things to offer. The world needs you to be more of who you are, not less.

One of the aspects of myself which I tend not to talk about very openly is my spirituality. I've explored my spirituality in many different ways throughout my life, and I know that doing so has had a strong influence on my work and the way that I relate to other people. Most people would be surprised to learn that I’ve completed two out of three years of a diploma course to become a shiatsu practitioner, or that I’m also a certified Akashic Records healer.

I'm not a religious person, but I do have a heart-based, intuitive, instinctive side and I strongly believe that we’re all part of a much bigger picture. I believe that our souls existed before us - and will continue to exist long after our physical lives are over - and that we are connected to something much more than we could ever imagine in the wider universe.

Like many people, I feel this most strongly when I’m in nature, or thinking about the stars and other planets, because it reminds me of how little we know about what we're part of. I feel supported and empowered by the idea that there is something bigger than us all.

For me, spirituality has opened up my horizons and perspectives, as well as being beneficial in my personal life. I don’t always indulge that side of myself as much as I would like to, even though I know that when I do I feel more centred and connected to the core of the earth and the centre of the universe.

What aspect of yourself are you holding back? It may not be your spirituality, but is there another area of your life where you’re not showing up fully? Are you hiding some aspect of who you are, in order to conform, belong or blend in?

We are all unique, evolving, crazy, messy, imperfect human beings, but I'm actively choosing to show up more fully, and let my true self be seen. I hope that helps to create the potential for you to do the same; to start sharing your story with the people who've earned the right to hear it, and expressing who you are in your life more fully.