Live Honestly

Live honestly. The best version of yourself is your authentic self.

Sometimes, there are seasons where we feel pressured to please a very specific group of people. Whether it’s in your career, with peers, or even in your family, you might feel you need to earn a sense of belonging.

Even amidst the words that are left unspoken, you may have the impression that there is a particular way of being smart, successful, beautiful, worthy. There is a sure way that you have to work your way into the group. You have to “know your place” and stay there until someone else permits you to move forward. Otherwise, you might be criticized, shamed, or told that you’re trying to do too much.

I believe this is an experience many if not all of us live through in some way. And it makes it very hard to identify the ways we can actually contribute and create things that matter.

It can take time to heal the wounds that came as a result of trying to force your way into someone’s mold. It can take time to discover and rediscover the value that you bring, and how it matters, no matter what others think.

“It can take time to heal the wounds that came as a result of trying to force your way into someone’s mold.”

But take heart, because it is possible. There is still time to become much better at realizing your potential outside of what other people said would or would not work. You can still prove that you can use your voice, even if it’s not the voice that someone else told you you had to use. And you can focus on proving this to yourself without worrying about proving it to anyone else.

There is still time for you to speak from the depths of your soul, and to speak from a place of truth. The best version of yourself is not the version of yourself that feels like she has to constantly make her voice smaller so she can fit their mold. The best version of yourself is your honest, authentic self: who you are in this present moment, this current season. Because whoever you are right now, even if it’s not enough for everyone around you, is more than enough for you to be who you were meant to be.

“There is still time for you to speak from the depths of your soul, and to speak from a place of truth.”

And from that place, you will begin to connect with others who are living honestly. You will start to see that there are so many people out there outside of that one little group you’ve been surrounded by, as you try to fit their mold. You will begin to see that the world is filled with people who are desiring to wake up to the truth that you can live life to the full, even without meeting everyone’s expectation of you.

Word of the Day: Honest - free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere.

Daily Affirmation: “I will do my best to live my life in the most authentic and honest way possible.”

Journal Prompt: Take three deep breaths. What does it look like to be present in this exact moment with where you are right now? What sounds are you hearing? What do you taste? What do you feel?

Taylor Ness is a Brand and Website Designer and passionate creative. Growing up on the coast of central Florida, she returns to Grand Rapids, Michigan while currently pursuing an MA in Digital Marketing. She has a background in telling a story through writing, creative direction and content creation. She’s passionate about storytelling and fantastic content, especially as it relates to self help, feminism, and poetry. When she’s not working, you’ll find her either practicing yoga, adventuring to new places, or advocating for the environment. Check out her on Instagram @florenciacreative to follow her creative journey.