THIS THING CALLED LIFE



"YOU ARE A GIFT -
TO YOURSELF AND THE WORLD"

~ By Merryl Lentz

Author Vadim Zealand once said, "The hardest role to play is the one where you play yourself." On this stage called earth, one role we play is the one where we follow a script dictated by fear, societal norms, conditioned behaviors, upbringing and a desire for acceptance. Another role is the one where we remove the mask and play a character called Being Yourself.

Many of us are experienced performers who may not even be aware that we have strayed from authenticity, even if we do it all the time. Even if it's not who we are - or who we are anymore - we may play the dutiful spouse, the obedient employee, the always-agreeable friend or the person who doesn't set boundaries because they've been conditioned to believe that saying "no" isn't polite.

But that's not fair to you.

And it's not fair to a world that may actually welcome you when you take off the mask. You are your gift to the world, as much as you are your gift to you.

When you are yourself, some pretty cool things can happen:

• You appreciate your uniqueness

Marlon Brando owned exotic pets like electric eels and held conversations with the ashes of dead friends. Jennifer Lopez allegedly brings her own customized toilet seat with her on the road. Prince changed his name to a symbol. Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp - well, need I say more?

• You have a positive impact on others

When you're true to yourself, you inspire others to do the same.

• You experience personal growth

You grow spiritually, mentally and physically, bringing your best energy to yourself and the world.

• You develop inner strength

You recognize and embrace your own unique value and individually, instead of shying away from them.

• You don't give a rat's patootie what anyone thinks of you

You don't engage in people-pleasing at the expense of who you really are.

When you step on that world stage with authenticity - you may just get a standing ovation.
 

"Everybody is different. Everybody is special."
~ Mister Rogers
 

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I'M AWAY FROM MY COLUMN, BUT I'LL BE BACK SOON!

With much LOVE and Blessings,

~ Karin