Today, as I thought about my intention, I thought about some of the people who have mentored me over the years. What I know is, each of them, in their own unique way, showed me that not only is it possible, but it’s actually necessary to express myself fully when I am communicating with other people. I also know that in showing the vulnerable side of myself, I become both bolder and more courageous. Bolder, because each time I step into the vulnerability, I experience a deeper sense of myself as well as the people around me, which makes me want to step in more fully, more often. And, more courageous because I have to let go of ego in order to express myself fully.
As I was growing up, I felt as if I didn’t really fit with the other kids, and I created different mechanisms to hide that truth. Unfortunately, I carried some of those masks into my adulthood. Fortunately, however, as I began to test the waters of genuine interaction, I had different mentors come into my life who helped me to trust myself, my intuition and my inner shaman. And, as I grew, so too did my ability to reach out and be myself with others.
One of the greatest gifts of letting go of the masks was, and is to this day, the freedom of recognizing my own humanity. It is a wonderful feeling to simply be myself, and to share myself with others. It is also a great joy to have others share themselves with me.
It isn’t always easy to come from an open, vulnerable place, but covering up with masks is even more difficult. Letting go of the thinges that don’t serve me is a gift in and of itself. And, knowing I am bringing all of me into relationships with others, gives full permission for them to do the same.
This is the place for deep, rich, heart felt conversations. This is the place where curiosity lives. It’s where we really see ourselves and one another. And, for me, this is the place of Peace.