Letting Myself Be Seen While Learning to Be Myself

Happy Monday, beautiful! 💕

I’m learning that knowing what I bring and helping someone else recognize it require different things from me. I can be clear about my experience, my skills, and the care I put into my work. Then comes the conversation where I need to put all of that into words, hoping someone will see enough to give me the opportunity to show them. Some days, that feels like a lot.

Part of what makes it challenging is that leaning into who I am is still new. For so long, I knew how to pay attention to what other people wanted and respond accordingly. I could sense what might be well received and reach for that version of myself. I’m becoming more aware of how often I did that, and how much practice I have at it.

Now I’m learning to stay connected to myself while someone else is getting to know me. I want to communicate well. I want them to understand what I can do and feel confident about giving me a chance. I also want to leave the conversation feeling like I was there, too, with my own voice, values, and desires.

There is a balance I’m still finding. I have to choose which parts of my experience will help someone understand me, even when there is so much more I could share. I have to trust that I can answer a question and pause. Sometimes I can feel myself wanting to add one more example, explain one more thing, or make absolutely sure they see what I know is there. I’m learning to notice that urge and give myself a breath.

I think some of the tenderness comes from how much these opportunities can mean. When you know you could do something well, you want the chance to do it. You want someone to recognize the years of experience behind your answer and the possibility of what you could bring. It can be disappointing when that doesn’t come across the way you hoped.

But I’m giving myself room to become more skilled at this. I can learn how to tell my story clearly without treating every conversation as a judgment of who I am. I can reflect on what I wish I had said differently and still be kind to the woman who showed up and tried. She is learning a new way of being seen, and she deserves some patience.

I’m also remembering that I have things to notice in these conversations. How do I feel while we’re talking? Is there room for my questions? Does what I’m hearing connect with the life I’m creating? I want an opportunity to share my gifts, and I want to pay attention to where I’m being invited to use them.

So this week, I’m practicing showing up with both confidence and curiosity. I know there is value in what I bring. I’m learning how to express it with more ease, and I’m allowing myself to grow into that skill. I hope the right people can see me clearly. I’m grateful that, more and more, I can see myself.

Love always, ✨
Your most magical self