Tony, thank you for this. I love your perspective! Many people who know me would be shocked to learn that at my deepest core, I'm quiet and shy. From a very young age, my parents punished me for being quiet, for not wanting to kiss the old ladies at my cousin's bris, etc. I felt such deep shame for being my authentic self that I "changed" myself. Of course, at such a young age I didn't realize any of this. I felt a sense of pride in eighth grade when one of my teachers nicknamed me "mouth" (because being loud and talkative was what I was "supposed" to be). It has been a lifelong struggle to keep up the "life of the party" facade. It is only in the last decade or so that I have made peace with my true, authentic self.
Tony, thank you for this. I love your perspective! Many people who know me would be shocked to learn that at my deepest core, I'm quiet and shy. From a very young age, my parents punished me for being quiet, for not wanting to kiss the old ladies at my cousin's bris, etc. I felt such deep shame for being my authentic self that I "changed" myself. Of course, at such a young age I didn't realize any of this. I felt a sense of pride in eighth grade when one of my teachers nicknamed me "mouth" (because being loud and talkative was what I was "supposed" to be). It has been a lifelong struggle to keep up the "life of the party" facade. It is only in the last decade or so that I have made peace with my true, authentic self.
Thank you Lynn for sharing your story. We all have our unique journeys and gifts we bring. Celebrating your authentic self with you today :-).