13/10/2022
We seek to belong, yet we can only experience true belonging when we show up as our authentic selves.
And that is where the big fear comes in; the fear of being rejected for who we are.
There's not a single person I know who hasn't picked themselves back up after a "failure". Who hasn't dusted themselves off, evaluated what happened, then taken those lessons and set forth to try again.
But there are plenty of people I know who felt rejected ONCE when they were authentic (aka vulnerable), and swore off ever showing that part of themselves again.
And what a shame that is, because it's often that authentic, genuine, goofy, full-hearted, big-eyed, loving, generous, inclusive, imaginative self that inspires and improves the world.
Belonging is knowing that even if we get it wrong, even if we look silly, even if we are different, we are still valued and encouraged to express ourselves in our home, workplace, community, and relationships.
When we feel a sense of belonging, we no longer carry the fear of rejection.
We communicate authentically and bring forward the best of ourselves and others.
So, what are you doing to create belonging in yourself and in your world?