Heart Led Health by Coach Donna

Thursday / September 08 / 2011

Get emotionally NAKED: embrace your self-discovery journey

A few days ago, my cousin got emotionally naked by proclaiming on her Facebook wall, “…is beginning to realize she can’t please everyone and it’s time to start living her life for herself – not for everyone else.”

That’s precisely the “a ha!” kind of moment you find in The You Evolution™  that helps unravel the mystery of happiness, fulfillment, and dare I say… relationship success. The many comments and likes she got (mine included) were from her cheering section, applauding her self-discovery journey.

Without self-discovery, all we can hope to bring to a relationship (any relationship) is an amateur canvas of what we think – and hope – the other person will find beautiful. The true beauty in a relationship, however, is when the canvas viewer puts the paint brush back in your hand, insisting upon your artistry. That, my friends, is a sure sign of someone who wants you to evolve into the best “you” you can be — for you – not for him or his interests.

At the very core of our individuality, each of us is a unique creature, designed by God to be set apart, special, precious, like no other. It makes no difference where you come from, who your parents are, who you know, where you went (or didn’t go) to school, what color your arms are, what faith you embrace, who you were born to love, or what you do for a living.

Each one of us is on a journey. And your journey matters.

Your journey matters.

Those around you rely on you to embrace your journey (and if they don’t… run in the opposite direction!), just as you rely on them to embrace theirs. The key here is, we need each other to live true to the creation each was designed to be. That’s the world in which we find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

I challenge you to stand emotionally naked before yourself. And I mean strip off that exterior facade and get completely naked.

Once you think you’re nude, double-check to see If you’re wearing a shawl of “everything in my life is fine” or a watch of “I don’t need anyone else, I’m A-OK on my own” – and then peel those bad boys off, toss them on the floor, and kick them under your bed (don’t worry, your Mom won’t yell at you for this one).

Once you’re exposed, examine your core individuality. Be excruciatingly vulnerable with yourself.

Explore the uniqueness that’s inside you – and hold nothing back. Embrace the uniqueness that can only be brought to fruition when recognized, nurtured, and lived out by you.

Pause to recognize what my cousin Jenny recognized: you can’t please everyone and it’s time to start living the life that you – and only you – were created to live.

You’ve been given the paintbrush, my friend. Dip into your favorite color and let your one-of-a-kind artwork come to life. It’s time to embrace your journey of self-discovery.

5 responses to “Get emotionally NAKED: embrace your self-discovery journey”

  1. Kasey says:

    sometimes breaking down everything to it’s smallest form, is the best way to discover what is really different and unique about yourself

  2. Rick says:

    Donna, I really enjoyed reading this piece–so much so that I read it three times, on different occasions, before writing this comment.
    Beautifully and effectively written, great advice, and as always, you captured the essence of what we need to do to live more fulfilling lives. I love the message, “Your journey matters.” It does, indeed. No matter who you are. We are all unique. We all have gifts to give. And we have a responsibility to ourselves, and to the world really, to use them and not allow them to be wasted.
    Thanks for brightening my day with your blog. I appreciate it.

    • Donna Smaldone says:

      Thank you so much for your insights and additions, Rick. As always, they are thoughtful and true (and appreciated!!) I’m glad the message spoke to you heart. I know it’s the same message you gift to your readers, and I encourage readers of The You Evolution™ to check out your blog here: http://thisgayrelationship.blogspot.com/

  3. Rick says:

    Wow! Thanks, Donna, for the shout out to my blog, and for making it easier for your readers to access it. I sincerely appreciate this kindness.

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