To Thine Own Self Be True....

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss  

 

The essence of Dr. Seuss' quote is really profound, particularly the "Be who you are...".   Being true to ourselves and our values can sometimes be really hard to do in our world today.   For my equine partner, River, what you see is what you get.  If she's happy or sad, angry or in pain, it is very evident.  Her relationships with other horses and with the humans she associates with are based on open communication.  There is no hiding what is important to her or how she feels.  Indeed, to survive and thrive as a horse, a horse has to be true to themselves.  By doing that, it defines the horse's hierarchy in the herd and the overall hardiness of the herd.

 

We humans, though, well -- it's more complicated.  Societal expectations, peer expectations, family expectations often force us for expedience to deviate from being who we are.  And that ultimately takes its toll.  There is stress in trying to be or live to what we are not or with values that are not in alignment with our own.

 

The move to be more authentic to ourselves and who we are carries it share of risk, such as the risk of  moving away from activities or friendships.  Ultimately, though, being true to yourself allows you to reap the benefits of living in alignment with your values, allowing you to develop relationships with those who  support you for being you and engage in activities that support and nurture your values.

 

It's not easy and it can't happen overnight -- but it can be done.

 

Here's to you being you!