I fully believe that the journey of the soul is a simple journey of authenticity. It’s about throwing a coming out party for the spirit. All hail inner truth! In a world that seems to pummel us with subliminal messages of “conformity or death” this is no easy task. And none of us are spared.
I have something to declare.
I’m guilty of holding back. I’m guilty of playing it safe. I can be guilty anyway. If our degree of authenticity is measured by social media, I can candy-coat with the best of ’em. Every now and then I get angry and that anger spills forth in a public forum. But honestly, most of the time I just don’t want to go there. I don’t want to get embroiled in a battle of wits with an internet troll. It’s not a healthy expenditure of my energy, and I consider that valid. It’s my truth.
But I may be guilty of taking this safety thing too far. Of (God forbid) suppressing.
In the past six months two incredibly important mentors have told me the same thing:
“The Universe can’t use your gifts if you’re in the closet about them.”
-and-
“The world needs All Of Kristy or nothing at all.”
This is a coming out of the psychological, spiritual, metaphysical kind of way.
But, shit. Really? It’s so much easier to spend 90% of life hiding, and 10% being truly authentic. You don’t have to worry about things like insults, or disagreements, or offended friends. (But the full force of our psyche is actually saying something more like, You don’t have to worry about total annihilation, being burned at the stake, being shunned, outcast, totally abandoned…killed.)
The journey of authenticity is a bad-ass undertaking. It can feel a little like walking straight into the lion’s den. And what the lion is about to devour is all of those old tired belief systems that we’ve decided keep us safe, even though they very well may be killing us. Because chronic suppression is a kind of death. It’s an epidemic of numbness, the zombie apocalypse. Allowing that lion to scrub us clean with its giant sandpaper tongue, of all the lies we tell ourselves, all of the broken promises, the tattered integrity… is a death.
But it brings truth. It brings redemption. It brings life.
The life we were meant to live.
Not the illusory safe version of that life that feels a little like quicksand if you take a moment to actually feel it.
For me, I’m not exactly sure what this all means for me. I’m still in the process of receiving that good scrubbing. When I’m all polished and shiny, I’ll have a more lucid idea. Coming to that place takes patience and time. What I do know in this moment is that my work is more important to me than ever before. What I do know is that we’re all in this together. I know my work is becoming more refined, more bold, more gratifying, more powerful.
There is something called the Simultaneity Principle which states that simply asking the question initiates the change. That it’s not about immediately finding the answer…it’s about being strong enough to ask the question which then sets off a universal chain of events which brings us closer to our desired destination.
I asked the question.
I invited my own coming out.
How can I be more authentic in the expression of my soul-purpose?
And like dominoes, I’m watching the path unfold before me.
No one entertains and enlightens simultaneously quite like you ♥
I needed this post. The journey is huge. I have no way of knowing if I’m even half way. I feel like Bob; “baby steps”. I am not too old, proud, aggressive, passive, energized, or lethargic to take baby steps. I was hoping for leaps and bounds, but….I will take anything to find the path that leads the way. As long as you keep the motivating blog rolling.
Thank you Desiree! Your baby steps are beautiful, and perfect. And your path is already leading the way…you’ll see. 😉
Very well written and inspiring Kristy! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs, your ideas, your inspirations – they help keep me centered and encourage me to take care of myself, not just everyone else!
For me, I am still trying to understand what my soul purpose is in this life. I thought I got it right by following a path of passion for veterinary medicine; however, the chronic neurological illness that has invaded and taken over my life for the past two years has eclipsed my career. I know now that I can never go back to Emergency Medicine and therefore, I don’t want to go back to practicing medicine in the traditional sense.
So… where does this leave me? Well, I am still healing so, for now, my focus is on regaining as much of my health and functionality that is possible. But, I also want to dream of my future and try to decide which path to follow, try to find my soul purpose in this earth. I stay realistic but, as my husband will say, I am the kite flying high in the sky and he is my string, anchoring me so I stay in today and right minded. Dreaming helps me in my recovery because it gives me something to focus on that doesn’t directly involve my disability – any escape I can get from my daily limitations is highly welcomed.
I guess for now I will focus on trying to just be a more authentic person as I look for what my soul purpose is in this life. Great blog, thank you for always inspiring me!!! I am grateful that you took the leap to change your career – I got to benefit from your experience so many years ago in Dover and now I get to benefit from your experiences again!! How lucky I am! :o)
Carie I’m so sorry to hear about your neurological condition! Our bodies can be so wise…Sometimes it takes their wisdom to truly find the right road for us. My body (as well as my psyche) is ultimately what kicked me out of vet med too. I am so grateful. You have always been such a bright light. Turn that light inward and I’m sure your spirit will show you the way. In the meanwhile, stay strong sister and know that you are loved. I have a sense that the best is yet to come for you…
I’m struggling a bit for words here, on Wednesday I had a talk with Krista about this very subject and how I’ve been thinking about it a lot in the last few weeks. To someone who has hidden various details of my life I can definitely say that holding back does make you numb. It’s an AA saying on their medallions – to thine own self be true. I can’t think of a better mantra and when I’ve thought about it I feel my life get a electric jolt. I’m really not sure where this is all going or what is going to happen next, but it will definitely be what I need. Thanks for your words Kristy, there is so much truth in what you write!
To thine own self be true… That’s always been one of my favorite mantras too Dan. I strongly believe that chronic shame is about as numbing as it gets, and chronic debilitating shame can cause beyond numbness, into the realm of soul death. I think when we are afraid to really shine, to be true to who we are, it’s all about shame on some deep subconscious level. Or the fear of being shamed which for some is too painful to endure. Thank you for your insight and your sharing, Dan. It’s so valuable. I’ve been thinking about you lately and I’m so glad you posted here. Much love, Kristy