Being Authentic

"Ultimately, I’m learning to say no with more grace because I want to live with authentic generosity. When yes is overused it takes what should be a whole-hearted gift and turns it into an anxiety-producing check box. I don’t want to live a life measured by check boxes. I want to live a life measured by acts of unhurried love." Five Ways to Say No Gracefully

BY COURTNEY E. MARTIN

I am a person who needs a fair amount of alone time. I value quiet.  I don't want to rush. I don't want to think up things to fill every minute of the day. I don't have to be busy all the time. In fact, I don't want to! I want time to unfold naturally and with ease. I want to listen more to my body and my feelings and honor them. I want to take it slow. I was not always this way.

I spent many years running from one activity to the next. Packing it all in at break neck speed. This is what is valued in our society. We applaud the person who works the hardest, who puts in the most hours, who never says no, who has a packed schedule, whose calendar is full. We want to be that person. Very little value is placed on solitude, day dreaming, inactivity. We are pressured to perform or to at least have the appearance of being busy. God forbid there be downtime unless we are sick or grieving or recovering from injury. In the corporate world you are judged if you take all of your vacation days. You are admired, but not necessarily compensated, if you work past quitting time and come in early.

So, when I read this article by Courtney E. Martin I wanted to share it and talk about it because I think it speaks to all of us. Let's be more thoughtful of our own unique rhythms. Let's honor our inner voice. Let's create graceful days where we are true to ourselves and therefore more authentic with others. We don't have to justify or explain all of our decisions. It's okay to say no. It's also okay not to be constantly filling our days with work and activity. We must stop comparing ourselves to others. We are not better or less than. We just are who we are. And guess what? That's good enough!

LET THIS BE MY MANTRA:

LIVING LIFE WITH AUTHENTIC GENEROSITY AND ACTS OF UNHURRIED LOVE.