In our journey toward awakening to our potential, we often find ourselves in the centre of the ring between two powerful opponents: Expression and Suppression.
These polar opposites battle for prominence in our lives. One leads us toward freedom and authenticity, while the other binds us to conformity. While we long for a path of genuine expression, we find instead that our true self is often challenged, misunderstood, and even dismissed.
This internal struggle exists because we are born into a world where so much of life feels pre-determined for us. The path we take and the choices we make are heavily influenced by social constructs and norms. When we attempt to step onto our unique path, we are often met with immense pushback, rejection, and questioning. For us sensitive souls, this lack of support and acceptance can hurt deeply.
The Cost of Conformity
What those around us fail to understand is that we cannot separate ourselves from the calling we feel within. We can feel, with every fiber of our being, that we are here to be more and do more in the world. Yet, we are expected to fall in line with expectations we had no say in designing and to essentially be someone we are not. This forces a disconnect from the very essence of who we are, creating a void and an emptiness that can feel unbearable.
To cope, we often end up wearing a mask – living a pretense of conformity to avoid the discomfort of judgment. In the process, we hide our true voice and presence. While society may accept this pretense, we pay the price with an unfulfilled life, ultimately creating a quiet desperation for change.
The Choice
Our desires and aspirations are not by accident; they are part of our intrinsic makeup. This should be nothing we apologize for or feel obliged to hide. We have the right to be ourselves. It is unfortunate that, sometimes, the people closest to us are the ones who shut us down.
When we sacrifice our personal values, mission, or vision to align with a job, a person, or a societal norm, we willingly place our power in the hands of others. Every time we try to fit into what others want us to be, do, or say, we trade our authenticity for their approval. We learn to keep our true thoughts and dreams to ourselves because we fear rejection from the people around us. Ultimately, we learn that it is simply safer not to ‘rock the boat.’
To honour our calling and bring the best of ourselves forward, we face a tough decision: Do we risk rejection by others, or do we risk rejecting ourselves?
The reality is, the worry of rejection by others is an ever-changing variable, causing us to continuously adjust and navigate those external expectations. However, when we face the choice of rejecting ourselves, we become the only factor. There is only one variable for us to navigate: ourselves.
The Internal Action
We have to remind ourselves that we are allowed to take up space in this world; we don’t need permission to do so. Yes, there are days when we feel defeated and want to throw in the towel, but if we spend time each day remembering who we are—taking even small steps toward alignment—we begin to draw in the people and opportunities that honour our truth and help us stay on our path.
We may also need to make the decision to consciously expand our circle, inviting cheerleaders into our lives, not just doubters. We need people who want to know the real person we are—those who will offer positive support as we navigate our own self-doubts.
The Awakening
If you are asking yourself deep, existential questions, that is the good news. It is your awareness breaking you out of the trance you’ve been locked into. This is why you have begun questioning the “rules”.
This is where the individual work begins. This change starts by looking at your situation – not from the accepted external view, but from your internal knowing. Take a moment to ask yourself:
- Why am I called to this mission?
- What is the deeper potential wanting to take flight?
- What qualities do I possess that make this a natural fit?
- Why does this matter so deeply to me?
Notice the resonance within when you tap into these answers; that feeling is your truth speaking to you.
Your Innate Blueprint
Deep beneath the noise of expectations lies your innate blueprint guiding you toward your mission and your deeper potential. Once you recognize that this potential is waiting to be expressed, you begin moving away from the pretense of your old life and leaning towards true alignment. Small choice points and changes build momentum towards a more authentic expression.
Shaleeza Ali 