The art of embracing your inner self may be easier said than done, especially in today’s culture. As human beings, we have an inherent tendency to avoid standing out from the crowd. Our survival from the very beginning relied on safety in numbers and, oddly enough; this habit still remains ingrained in our nature despite all the technology and communication outlets in the world today. 

One could even argue that with the incredible amount of interaction opportunities we have with our peers from literally every corner of the globe due to the advancement of social media and communication technology, the feeling that we must adhere to a predetermined status quo is greater than ever before! 

We are subconsciously pressured to mask our authentic selves on a daily basis. Whether from work colleagues, friend groups, or even social media followers. It seems as though this urge is unavoidable. However, there is still so much value in remaining true to oneself. 

In this article, we are going to discuss a few of the many reasons that embracing your inner self not only benefits you but can also be a gift to the world around you! We will also give helpful tips that show you how to do it.

One of the most wonderful traits we possess as human beings is our uniqueness. Other than the obvious things we all share, we differ in our individual talents, abilities, perspectives, and so on. Unfortunately, when we mask these differences in an attempt to avoid standing out, we deprive ourselves and everyone around us of the treasure that comes from self-expression. 

Consider for a minute the greatest historical inventions and discoveries gifted to mankind. A common theme is that these discoveries were conceived by people willing to be different and to resist the status quo. 

Self-acceptance is a basic need. However, our need to fit in often can contradict this urge.  Deep down inside, we all long to be who we truly are. When you are able to embrace your inner self and go against the grain, you invite others to do the same. 

When those around you notice that you are comfortable with who you are, they are much more likely to follow suit! This ripple effect fosters self-expression and allows everyone to benefit from the unique collection of talent and abilities. 

Ironically, it takes considerably more effort and energy to blend in than it does to be your true self. Going with the crowd involves a conscious effort to act and behave a certain way at all times. This behavior can waste a lot of our mental and physical energy that could be used in much better ways. The time you spend hiding your uniqueness should be used for improving and growing yourself to accomplish your dreams 

in this life. When you are able to combine your inherent talents and this otherwise wasted energy, you will discover that you are actually capable of some really incredible things!

One of the most painful feelings we can experience is that of regret. By not taking advantage of whatever gifts you possess, there will come a time when you become acutely aware of missed opportunities. 

By learning how to embrace your inner self, you can avoid so much regret down the road. 

How to put embracing your inner self into practice:

We have discussed the merits of why embracing your inner self is so important. 

But how can you begin to practice this? I thought you’d never ask. 🙂

Here are a few ways to start embracing your inner self and thrive:

Drop your perfectionism

I listed this one first because this is where many people struggle. You’ve heard it a thousand times: “no one is perfect, perfectionism is overrated, perfection is boring”. Yet you still struggle.  Instead of “faking it until you make it” try embracing your imperfections, not hiding them. Develop a deep practice of self-love and acceptance. The more you do this, the more you increase your personal gratitude and you will become more comfortable in your own skin.

Increase your self-awareness of your own “fakeness”

Can’t you just feel when someone is being fake or just not genuine? It’s cringy, right. Well, you can start to become aware of your own fakeness and begin to deconstruct it by asking yourself a few critical questions. For example: 

• Why am I saying yes when I want to say no?
• Why am I grinning and laughing so hard at this person’s jokes when I don’t really even like them?
• Why do I feel like I need to wear extra makeup and put on my black boots when this person is coming to my house?

As you think deeply about this, I’m sure you’ll come up with a few questions of your own. By becoming aware of your own fakeness you can make a quality decision to just not do it. This practice alone will cause you to be more real and authentic.

Become a better listener

Most people aren’t naturally good listeners. However, it is a skill that can be learned. When you consciously practice active listening, you disengage from yourself and focus completely on the other person. By listening wholeheartedly to others you can increase your own authenticity. Why, because you are present and genuinely focused on another person instead of secretly thinking of your response. Your interactions with other people will become more real to you and communication will begin to open up. Open communication fosters intimacy and intimacy in relationships will create a safe space for you to be yourself. 

Embrace a clear perspective on rejection

I saved the best one for last. The fear of rejection is real y’all, so let’s not ignore the impact it can have on you embracing your true inner self. Instead, let’s approaching the fear of rejection from another angle. Think of it like a muscle that you are building. The more you bench press the “fear of rejection” the stronger your muscles will become. 

Rejection is with us always. No matter how awesome we are, there will be someone somewhere who will object. This is just life. Try to reframe rejection however you need to in order to get past it. I learned this technique years ago: Whenever someone would reject what I had to say or offer, I would just view myself as a waitress offering them more coffee. This may sound ridiculous, but do you think the waitress at the local Waffle House gets upset because you refuse another cup of coffee? Ah, no. She doesn’t. Play around with this idea and see what scenario you can come up with as you’re strengthening those anti-rejection muscles of yours. 🙂

Blending in with the crowd has become so habitual for most of us that doing anything else will feel very odd at first. However, if you can make this your new “normal”, the benefits to you and those around you are more than worth it! 

So, embrace your beautiful precious inner self and thrive!!

Be well + prosper,

Elaine xx