Find Your Truth—Learn Who You Really Are
WHAT IS TRUE ABOUT YOU?
You are enough.
Does this truth direct the way you do life?
How about this truth as your framework for all relationships?
We all have our unique reactions to events that occur around us. This varies from one person to the next when it is time to be assertive, patient, courageous and to express difficult emotions.
Some of us get really upset when cut off on the road, and it will strike a painful chord whereas others are mostly triggered or upset by personal criticism and feedback.
Some individuals could “care less” about feedback from others, while lots of people live for the approval of those around them. There are people who care most about upholding justice, while others focus more on holding up the oppressed directly.
If you were to watch me throughout my day, you’d get a pretty good idea of how I change the way I act, based on my surroundings. You can tell how someone is triggered or motivated based on how they act in certain situations.
When I’m in my INSECURE place, not knowing what’s true about me (that I am enough), I’m snappy, defensive and sensitive. When I’m in my SECURE place (walking in my truth), I’m assertive, empathetic and confident.
How do you feel? Where’s your dilemma?
Pain, shame, guilt, anger and fear can all affect our quality of life— when left unresolved. Emotions have a very important role in our lives. They all have needs, and they show up when the needs are unmet. For example, fear needs security. If you feel anxious, nervous or afraid, it will help you to use that sensation to get secure, safe and confident. This might entail a plan, a protocol, an investigation, or an escape.
Feelings are intertwined with our spiritual needs, where we host desires, wants and hopes. If you can learn about how they work, and how they connect you to your most basic important needs, you can learn to love others (and more importantly, yourself) fully with authenticity and intention.
When you don’t walk in truth…
When we feel stuck, disappointed, scared or ashamed, there can be some painful feelings rearing an ugly head when least expected. Such events like rage and loss of self-control can interrupt our lives and affect others we love too.
Feelings, however, will cause even greater problems when we simply ignore or avoid them. Feelings are triggered by our thoughts (according to David Burn’s Cognitive Behavior Theory model). Thought frameworks come from our belief system.
You know the truth in your head (“I’m safe"). You must receive it in order to walk in it.
If you believe you are in danger, of rejection or tragedy, you will not approach relationships or risks the same as someone who believes they are safe (from things like abandonment or physical injury)—no matter what.
Fear wins when its in the driver seat. But what you may not know, is that you can take the wheel when you reflect on truth, receive it and walk in it.
How we view the world affects the types of thoughts, feelings and reactions we have. We can alter the "automatic thoughts” —and unwanted reactions that show up— by exploring a little deeper. What informs your body to respond the way it does?
How do we change the thoughts?
We look into our beliefs (which precede the thoughts). This includes spirituality. The part of us which holds faith, hope, wonder and connection with what is outside of ourselves. Our core beliefs live here also.
Paint it on your walls. Plaster it everywhere. I am capable. I am loveable. I am safe.
Change comes from renewing the mind.
Renewal means “to change your mind”. We must teach your mind and spirit that you are safe, with practical solutions and evidence of that truth.
How do I actually get the change?
“I am safe”. “I am loveable”.
Once you know deep down in your heart that you are secure, you’re body won’t have that same fight-or-flight response.
You can relax. It won’t feel like you’re facing down an 800 lb. grizzly bear. Instead, you recognize in that moment that the bear is still there, but you’re actually at the zoo, drinking a chai tea latte—and there’s a concrete wall between you and him. You are safe. This core sense of security won’t happen overnight, but if you change your mind about who you are and what you can have (respect, boundaries, an “ask”, expectations, love, grace, etc.), you’ll receive it and walk in it.
It takes continual reinforcement to remind you who you are - what your truth is. A community setting with unconditional support and a safe space for personal discovery, healing and growth.
Community & Connection
It can help to get Plugged In to a community and a source of perspective which reminds you of who you are. To take time to explore yourself and what freedom would look like for you. When you have a safe space to bring your pain and shame into the light, it heals.
You’ll learn that healthy connection provides the ability to walk in truth alongside others. You will explore where your identity comes from and discover how you’ve applied this to relationships and life. Come identify what is true about you, and learn to walk in it. This is truth you can take into your personal world moving forward. Reach out today to get Plugged In.