Today’s morning meditation was on “authenticity.” The Merriam-Webster definition of “authentic” has three components:Not false or imitation: realTrue to one’s own personality, spirit, or character; andWorthy of acceptance as conforming to or based on fact.I have often wondered why this is so difficult for adults to embrace. Perhaps it’s because my family was accepting and encouraging of the ways I was unique, so I didn’t understand the pressure to conform to “worldly standards.” Perhaps it’s because I was younger than my family and peers, so I always came to the milestones later than everybody else. Perhaps this is why I never outgrew my creative, whimsical spirit, as creating my own reality was a more fulfilling pursuit than conforming to those benchmarks, which felt frustrating and futile since my timing was different from others. Or perhaps it’s because I’ve always found happiness and joy in following my own path. I thought that as I got older, people would get more comfortable and accepting of themselves, and with granting others the grace to do the same.

I was wrong. Or was I? People consume videos, books, podcasts, classes, meditations, and other resources to find their true, best self, and still struggle with putting it into practice at all stages of life. Why is it so hard? Why do we struggle with something that should be simple?

It stems from the self-defeating beliefs I’ve discussed in my YouTube videos and previous blog posts. The world has insidiously planted doubt in our subconscious mind to keep us bound to its unrealistic and ridiculous standards. Add that to the darker parts of our soul that we don't like to face, and you see how that deep surface formed. I’ve talked about uprooting these beliefs, but let’s take a deeper look at what’s actually going on in your noggin to clean up the processes.

Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychology, developed the “iceberg theory” of the mind’s three levels:The conscious mind – the visible tip of what you know,The preconscious mind - memory stored knowledge just below the surface that we can bring to awareness, andThe unconscious mind - those deep fears and selfish motivations that we aren’t aware of that are irrational, emotional, and have no concept of reality.Of course, most of your mind is below the surface, with no concept of reality. That’s why facing your true self and uprooting these self-defeating beliefs is so difficult. You aren’t just pulling up a weed, you’re melting the underlying foundation of who you are and what you’re truly capable of. No wonder it’s a lifelong struggle. If you haven’t been encouraged to be authentic, and worse yet, if you’ve been conditioned to repress it, then it’s going to take a lot to melt that iceberg and direct the flow to better, more productive, and properly serving thoughts and beliefs.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to raise the sea level of your life, and I urge you to begin with this: anything that compromises you is not truth. You best serve others and the world by being your authentic, best self. No matter who it intimidates, scares, or threatens. Those people are not your people. Reject their sloppy seconds and build your own empire. And as for what you don't like about yourself, know that you determine truth. You can always change, improve, evolve, and grow into any new creation you desire. Embrace your truth and find your authenticity. Find what’s right. Find true love, connection, and joy.

My Granddaddy always said, “you reap what you sow.” It was one of his favorite sayings, and one he really wanted me to understand. For the longest time, I thought this meant that you need to be mindful of the purity of your actions. While that’s correct, I’ve recently discovered that there’s another, deeper meaning to this saying: feed what you love, and blessings will grow. It’s not a warning, it’s advice. Thanks, Granddaddy.

So melt that iceberg. Start today by finding one thing that compromises you, and refute it with something you love. Then see what truth is revealed. 

That’s all today. Take care, and have a great and fun Halloween week!

Bye!