Living Authentically

Dear Beautiful,

I have always valued authenticity, but when it comes to actually living it out, I am scared to death.  I am afraid of not being accepted.  I am afraid of not being loved.  I am afraid of being judged.  I am afraid of not measuring up.  I am afraid of being the only one who has ever felt how I do or struggled how I struggle.

I am much more comfortable showing only part of who I am.  Showing what can only be seen skin deep.  However, I am learning that although, it seems more comfortable, it actually fuels the very things we are afraid of.  Instead of protecting us, it leaves us feeling isolated, alone, rejected, unloved, and not good enough.  How can we receive love, acceptance, and comfort if no one ever knows the pain we are hiding inside? How can we receive His love, comfort, guidance, and peace when we pretend like we can do it all on our own?

It is difficult for me to receive love and support from others and even God because I have to admit I need it.  That is difficult for a person like me who likes to pretend like she has it altogether.  A perfectionist at heart.  But behind the pretending and perfectionist tendencies is just a person who is searching for love and acceptance.  And those very tendencies that I believe will help me receive love and acceptance, actually prevent it.

In order to receive love, we must open up our hearts and our lives to our Creator and to one another.  First and foremost, it is God who loves us unconditionally no matter our past and our present and all the baggage and junk that goes along with it.  He is the only One who loves perfectly.  He longs to free us from our search for love and acceptance by simply accepting the love He has for us.

I know it's easier said then done.  I know it's frightening to put yourself out there, even to those you can trust.  I also know it is scary to be known, but He will not reject you.  Authenticity, vulnerability, and humility do not come naturally, nor are they easy.  They involve risk, facing our fears, and laying down our pride.  But God is showing me that authenticity is actually one of the most healing and beautiful things in the world.

Beauty Tip #11:  Take time to journal and pray about the things that prevent you from being authentic and vulnerable, and ask Him to help you open up your heart to receive His love.