I am not that person...

We all try too hard. To fit in. To be liked. To play a mold. 

And in trying to achieve it we trade a few things like peace of mind, ease, authenticity, success...

• Peace of Mind because it's a LOT of work going against your natural style to sound like, do like and be like... It's a LOT of guards up, scheming, pushing... 
• Ease because you are working with skills and behaviors that are tedious, uphill and boring...
• Authenticity because you lead a double life, no one really knows you, your feelings, emotions or preferences...
• Success because when you give up your strengthens and try to be creative and good at the opposite of your interests more often than not you'd reach mediocre...

There is something to be said about learning new skills, getting better at something, all that, has its place. 

But how many of us are playing along with a facade just because others see us a certain way when we do?

And what are we trading for it?

If we play into the perceptions others hold, we move further away from our alignment, and inner guidance. We continue to tangle in a web that will eventually be the death of our spark. And we risk either not living or delay the journey of walking our purpose. 

'I am not that person...'

Having the clarity and confidence to use that statement is a potent tool on the path to living a happy life. 

We aren't meant for everything, but we are meant to live out a particular piece of the puzzle with our unique abilities, strengthens and aptitude. 

Living from a place of inspiration, alignment and purpose requires us to begin to own our strengths and abilities. It requires us to pull back from situations and opportunities that are not in line with who we are. It requires us to know what to ignore and what to explore. 

At some point we have to stop trading our authenticity for the sake of perception. 

At some point we have to start living from the vantage point of 'I am a person who...' 

And so, we start today.