You may have heard of researcher and storyteller Dr. Brené Brown before. Dr. Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and she has spent the past thirteen years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. As the author of three #1 New York Times Bestsellers: Rising Strong, Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection you can find many quotes from her books, writings and TED talks online.
This week, I felt really drawn to her quote about ‘Belonging.’
“Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. Because this yearning is so primal, we often try to acquire it by fitting in and by seeking approval, which are not only hollow substitutes for belonging, but often barriers to it. Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
Photo @ Angelina Litvin – Fitting in and belonging are not the same
I know we all struggle with wanting to belong and being part of something bigger. I often write about being your authentic self in my blogs and refer to it as the overarching goal. But you can see, becoming your authentic self is a requirement for so many things in life. It’s not only a necessity to find happiness and peace, but also a foundation for finding where you belong. If you struggle with finding your true, authentic self, try some of these tools I gathered for you below.
These tools will help you remove the limiting negative thoughts, emotional triggers and beliefs and will allow your natural life force energy and personality to bubble up and be expressed without feeling stressed or uncomfortable about it. It will feel natural.
Use all three videos over and over as needed to release your childhood programming and get you closer to discovering and unveiling your authentic self:
Tapping for Feeling Vulnerable & Invisible
Tapping for Not Feeling Safe to Being You
Tapping for Perfectionism
Any time you feel yourself dimming your light, trying to fit or blend in, notice what thoughts and/or feelings you have in those moments that triggers that action.
What do you believe about yourself or those around you? Ask yourself if what you believe is true. Question if you feel shame, guilt, or not good or perfect enough why that is. Inquire within if you think thoughts like “They can’t handle my success… I don’t want to make them feel badly… etc.
Notice if your reactions and actions are a habit. Watch yourself and pay attention to what you do automatically that might not even make sense. Is there any real reason for you to be fearful or anxious or is your feeling habitual, a conditioned response?
Awareness + Choice = Empowerment
Loving you,
Marilyn
Fine Print
