If we are confident about ourselves there is freedom from doubt, a certainty and self-assurance in not only our abilities, but who we are.  This is where authenticity comes in.  Being authentic is when we are honest about who we are and what is happening in our lives. We feel confident to share our hurts, reveal our feelings, disclose our doubts, admit our fears, and acknowledge our weaknesses.  We do not need to wear a mask and behave as if everything is okay in our lives even when it is not.  If we are authentic people we are genuine in what we say and do and know who we are.   And if we remain open, honest, and understanding, we become more trusting of ourselves, and yes, more accepting.  We become more aware of who we are, our ideals, who we want to be, the meaning in our lives, and what we wish to do in the world.  As we interact with others we are not so concerned about how we will be seen, but we begin to know, understand, and are are more sensitive to other’s emotions and feelings.  We listen more, we read what they write, and watch what they do.  And we become more aware of our own creativity, imagination, talents, and potential.  We begin to know ourselves and begin to accept who we are and like ourselves.  When we are confident, authentic, and trusting, everything reflects this and falls into place easily. We have no time to worry about what we are doing and saying.  We accept ourselves.  The ultimate of all of this is savoring the tiny simple beautiful moments of life and coming into “being.” Being is letting go and letting our lives run their course.  It also means accepting and not controlling people, places, and things including ourselves.  Thinking good thoughts, having a good attitude, we are not full of tension, worry, and stress and we begin to take one day at a time and put one foot ahead of the other in the present moment. Accepting ourselves comes automatically.  The world is too full of adventures, happiness, and beauty.

confidence (pg 137), authenticity (pg 5), trusting ourselves (pg 113), knowing ourselves (pg 7), and being (pg 118)

thebookoflane