People often say you spend a certain amount of time at work, a certain amount of time asleep, and a certain amount of time in downtime or leisure. Our time is always divided between something. Very seldom do we not have to decide how we’ll spend it.

I feel like the same thing can be said about how we spend our emotional or social time. We spend a certain amount of time showing people what they want to see, acting how people expect us to act, and doing the things others want us to do. That’s what I mean when I say we “show people what they want” a lot of the time. We are conditioned to put our “best” foot forward. That becomes your brand, right? It’s what people can depend on.

But is that who you actually are, or is that just what you show the world? Are there opportunities you want to take, actions you want to do, or jobs you want to pursue that feel different from your clean-cut persona?

Sometimes, we feel like we can’t make a certain choice or take a certain opportunity because it doesn’t match the version of ourselves we’ve shown people in the past. But what about our secret wants and desires, the things we actually dream about doing?

For instance, I went to college for Human Development and Family Studies, but now I work at a printing company in order fulfillment. I do very well at this job. Recently, I also got the opportunity to start doing content design for a family member, and I’ve been learning new skills for that. That’s so different from what I’ve shown people before. I’ve always said I’m artistic, but I’ve never actually shown it online or on social media, even though that’s where the world is heading.

So, while it may look like this isn’t my true, authentic self, maybe it is the part of me I just haven’t shown yet. I’ve blogged in the past, I’ve even made a YouTube video or two, and I’ve dreamed of being someone who helps others, spreads ideas, and supports people. But is that what I show people or is that who I am underneath?

Are there things that feel like something you want to do or say, but it doesn’t flow easily? Maybe it feels like it would be a hard crossover from who you’ve been. Screw it, get over what people might think of you, and try it. Try being authentically you, because you are the one we need.

If we all start living as who we actually are, not just who we want people to see, we might be able to make a real difference in each other’s lives.

There are things I’ve learned and ways of living I’ve started implementing because of what other people have done and shared. They were authentically themselves. They didn’t just show me what they thought looked good. And because of that, I’ve grown for the better.

You know, it can cost us when we hold back the parts of us that want to shine-when we silence the parts that are crying out. It can cost us our joy, our peace, and even cost others around us. It’s a steep price. It’s called regret.

And I’ve paid for more than my fair share. Haven’t we all? Aren’t we all just trying to figure it out, to find ways to show who we really are?

Now is the time. Now is the place. Now is the season.

It’s never too late.

Love,

Hallie ❤️❤️❤️