Seeing Myself & Being Seen Was Painful

There was a time when I couldn’t stand mirrors. Truly, if one was nearby I’d avert my eyes to avoid the acute pain I’d feel when I looked at myself. Even catching my reflection on a car window that I happened to walk by could be unbearable.

This was back in my late teens, when insecurities about my appearance were at a toxic level.

I refused to take pictures (which is why sadly there are very few of me as a teen) and went through phases were I would cover up my body in layers of clothing as a way to hide.

I was painfully shy, and I found any assignment that required me to speak publicly terrifying. I would’ve preferred to write a hundred essays over doing the dreaded “show & tell” or a presentation of any kind.

And on the rare occasion when my voice was recorded, listening to it literally made me cringe.

For a long time, I lived in the background because any sort of spotlight frightened me.

Fast forward several years and I became a 7th grade teacher, in the “spotlight” so to speak all the time. I presented in conferences giving talks in front of educators.

I then left teaching, to embark on my new career as a coach and healer.  This required me to be in the limelight more than ever before.

My face, my voice, my words were all in display as I recorded videos, created podcasts and did presentations about my first book, Answering Your Inner Calling.

That transformation was possible because of the deep inner work I committed to do. This work involved healing those wounded parts within me, including my precious inner teenager.

As I continued to have compassion for my inner world,  I naturally started to emerge into the outer world.

Today, my Soul is constantly guiding me to show my genuine self even more. And, although, I can still feel nervous, I know how to come back to a feeling of safety and keep showing up to my Divine purpose, even when it feels vulnerable.

This “coming out” so to speak was essential in me sharing my Soul’s medicine.

Being seen, not just for the sake of it, but to share the authentic expression of who I am is how I help my clients and students.

You too are being called to reveal yourself with genuine presence so that you can bring healing to the world.

The way you’re meant to be seen is unique to you. Maybe, like me, you’ll be in front of the camera, or microphone to share your message.

Or maybe, for you it will be about showing up authentically in the business that you courageously open, the new healing modalities you create, or the book you write.

The ego structure wants to keep you the same. It fears that fully revealing yourself might lead to being dismissed, ridiculed, judged or shamed. And, the truth is, this might happen.

But when you’re aligned with your Soul, it ultimately doesn’t matter, because those you’re here to serve will be magnetized to your authenticity.

Remember your true joy and fulfillment comes from showing up as your authentic self.

As you do, you then have the courage to share your unique gifts in the highest expression and create the impact you came here to make in the world.

Blessings,

Lisa