Recently, I was listening to an old summit on self-acceptance when a quote by Rumi stopped me in my tracks. It was a powerful invitation to step into our authentic selves, and I couldn’t help but reflect on it deeply. Here is the full quote:
“Run from what's comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I'll be mad.”
These words are an invitation to live boldly, to embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden for fear of judgment, and to step into a life that feels true, even when it challenges the comfort we’ve built. How many of us hold back from fully showing up because we fear the opinions of others? How often do we suppress who we truly are in order to protect a reputation we’ve worked hard to construct?
The Masks We Wear
This struggle is something I know all too well. For years, I hid the most vulnerable and loving parts of myself—my sensitivity, my emotional depth, my capacity to care deeply. These parts were buried beneath layers of shame, reinforced by the painful messages I’d internalized about being “too much” or “too emotional.”
I developed a reputation for being calm, grounded, and steady. People often looked to me for my ability to bring peace to chaotic situations, and I became known for my soothing presence. But even though my calmness was a strength, I sometimes felt it was more about maintaining control than truly letting myself be seen. I hid parts of myself behind a mask, thinking that being emotionally composed was safer than allowing the world to see my true, multifaceted self.
Yet, behind the scenes of my calm exterior, I struggled with the very emotions I had learned to keep in check. I would cry, write in my journal, and wrestle with feelings that didn’t always match the poker face I presented. I even recall a therapist once telling me, “Maybe you just feel more deeply than most people,” but instead of embracing that insight, I shut it down, reinforcing my need to appear ‘in control.’
The Exhaustion of Hiding
Over time, the weight of this reputation became unbearable. Living in two separate realities—one where I appeared emotionally calm and another where I struggled with deep feelings—was exhausting. I knew I couldn’t keep living this way, but the fear of exposing the real me, of dismantling the carefully crafted image I’d built, paralyzed me.
It wasn’t until I made a bold choice—choosing to shed the armor and embrace who I truly am—that things began to shift. I decided to risk vulnerability, to choose authenticity over safety, and to release the fear that had kept me playing small.
What I Gained by Letting Go
The journey was not easy, but what I gained from losing the masks was life-changing. Here’s what I gained from choosing to live authentically:
Freedom: I no longer had to hide. I could fully be myself, without apology.
Deeper intuition: I gained a clearer understanding of who I am and what matters to me.
Self-Love and Acceptance: I felt what it was like to embrace my whole self—flaws, fears, and all.
True Belonging: I stopped looking for validation outside of myself and began to find peace in who I was.
Being Seen: For the first time, I let others see the real me.
Unconditional Love: The love I gave others began flowing back to me, and more importantly, I learned to love myself.
Deeper Connections: I formed more meaningful, authentic relationships.
Inner peace: I felt less anxious and more grounded.
Healing Depression: Letting go of my emotional armor helped me heal.
Joy and Gratitude: I learned to appreciate life more.
Living Fully: I began showing up for life, instead of merely going through the motions.
Embracing Your Inner Light
As I let go of my fears and masks, I discovered something beautiful: one of my soul’s main purposes is to love deeply—myself and others. I realized that my gifts were hidden beneath my fear of being seen. When I embraced my true self, I could share my love, my gifts, and my purpose with the world. I started attracting the people and opportunities that aligned with my authentic self, instead of continuing to hide behind a version of me that wasn’t fully real.
This journey reminds me of the metaphor of a lighthouse. A lighthouse stands tall, strong, and unwavering. It doesn’t chase after ships; it simply shines its light, rooted in its purpose. When we choose to show up as our true selves—boldly and authentically—we become like that lighthouse. We stop chasing approval or validation. Instead, we shine, and those who are meant to be in our lives will be drawn to us.
You are that lighthouse.
Taking Action: Step Into Your Power
How might your life shift if you fully embraced the power of your authentic self? What would it feel like to let go of the fear and step into the freedom of truly shining your light?
If you’re ready to stop hiding and step into your truth, here are a few actionable steps to help you begin:
Acknowledge Your Fear: Understand that fear is a natural part of the process. It’s okay to feel scared, but don’t let it stop you from moving forward.
Embrace Vulnerability: Let yourself be seen. The world needs your unique light. Choose to show up as your authentic self, even when it feels risky.
Practice Self-Love: Treat yourself with kindness. Celebrate your strengths and embrace your imperfections.
Let Go of the Masks: Identify the roles you’ve been playing to fit in. What would it look like to release those roles and show up as you truly are?
Shine Your Light: Don’t dim your light for fear of being too much. Trust that when you show up authentically, you will attract what’s meant for you.
Rumi’s call to “live where you fear to live” isn’t just about rejecting safety; it’s about embracing the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden in the dark, choosing freedom over fear, and living in alignment with our true purpose. When we step into our authenticity, we stop living for others and start living for ourselves.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling called to dive deeper into embracing your authentic self and letting go of old fears, I invite you to join my group coaching program or work with me individually. Together, we’ll explore what it means to live unapologetically, break free from old patterns, and uncover the gifts you’re meant to share with the world. Reach out today, and let’s begin your transformation.
Comentarios