This week I would like to explore how authenticity evolves and shifts over time. First of all, lets look at what being authentic means. It is living in alignment with our deepest desires, dreams and passions. It is having the freedom to be who we really are. In the evolution of authenticity it is helpful to define our values, look at seeking balance in our lives, having the conversations we need to have with others and noticing if there is an inner negative voice limiting any areas of our growth. It can be common to feel it is more important to be liked and to fit in, than to truly be ourselves.
While exploring these areas and asking ourselves important questions, it is essential to be gentle, and to incorporate a sense of ease as we begin to make small incremental changes. All too often we want to change things too quickly. Living more authentically takes time. Life will present us with many opportunities to practice being our best selves.
I took a look at my life more closely this week while writing the article, and felt sharing some of the changes I have made might inspire you to do the same. I have added new adventures into my life and business this past year as my authentic self evolves. This evolution is about embracing those parts of myself that need to lighten up, have more fun and be playful. It is easy to get caught up in the everyday, going through the motions and forgetting about the dreams and the quiet wishes we hold in our hearts. We tend to allow life to get too stressful and busy, forgetting how we wish to experience life. I am reminded that as authenticity evolves new layers unfold as we allow them too.
Here are a few examples of how I have been embracing more of the parts of myself that need to experience life and all it’s joys. I share them with the hope that you too will embrace your dreams and begin to move forward – to be authentic and do what feels right to you – letting the inner critical voice fade into the background.
· My 50th birthday this year was the impetus to finally get my motorcycle license and also get my first motorcycle. It has been a big challenge for me and quite scary; even though it had been in my heart since the age of 16. I even ended up in a Harley Davidson video. Here is one of my light-hearted sides in the latest Harley Davidson video for their Movember fundraising campaign. Created by Dan Lim: (www.danlimphoto.com).
· I have completely rebranded myself, letting go of the business name I used for well over a decade. The change was challenging. Now that I have a brand new website, my own logo that I just love (thank you Karen at 1dea Media & Design) I am over the moon happy I did it. I had to be brave enough to move forward with what I feel authentically represents who I am now.
· I added in a Soul Coaching program with James Twyman. This 2-year program has filled my soul with much joy – it is a program where he and I assist others to coach from the heart. We had talked about teaching together for over 10 years. (you see, it can take time!)
· Eco-Coaching is now part of my toolbox. It is a way of engaging with my clients in coaching conversations as we experience nature together. (thanks to my coach Tana Heminsley for helping me navigate this part of my coaching practice). By changing the atmosphere and being connected to nature I noticed how quickly it could help someone shift. Now I am creating and being invited to facilitate more retreats outdoors! My heart soars when Mother Earth joins us.
· I recently added gorgeous Silpada Jewellery to my Open Houses along with selling my books and journals. I get to chat with people who are interested in taking my workshops or booking sessions all at the same time. It has been such fun to be more playful and light-hearted in my work!
· I am enjoying my cat’s new penthouse suite. I now have an entire cupboard for her to sit and watch me (or sleep) as I sit at my new desk. She loves to be near me as I work on the computer, and helps me remember how calm and relaxation are essential parts of my day. She reminds me to breathe deeply, not take life so seriously, and to move slowly and with more grace.
· And spending more time with family…that has truly filled my soul, as they all live so far away from me.
Remember there are many aspects to who we are as human beings in our daily life: we are parents, partners, sisters, brothers, business people, athletes, teachers, lovers, partners. It is helpful to take time to remember who we are inside too, the authentic self (without anyone else around – the you of you.) It is important to embrace all of these essential parts of who we are. To start the starting and stop the stopping and allow ourselves to move forward. To let go of what others might say or how they might perceive us. If it makes you smile and your step lighter – it is the right course of action.
Personal growth and healing are essential to our evolution as human beings AND we also need the freedom and choice to have fun. We look at children and love their excitement passion and wide-eyed curiosity…we can still be that way. It IS a choice.
Take some time to contemplate how you can live a more authentic life. To remember and bring to life all the hopes, dreams and passion that exist within you. How can you lighten your load and lighten up your day? You can begin the journey by remembering it takes time and ease to do so. And if you would love to explore the evolution of your authenticity more fully I have a wonderful program that begins November 25th.
www.cherylhiebert.com/personal-growth/journey-to-authenticity
Growth and change take time. I am here with an open heart and a guiding hand. Won’t you join me?
I wish you an abundant fall and winter filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey and love your feedback. See you soon!