I was at a performance of 'La Cage Aux Folles' in London recently.   It's a musical I've known for many years and I love it.   For some reason, this time a couple of the songs made me realise how insightful the writer, Jerry Herman was.   The messages are loud and clear:

 

1. Whatever and Whoever I am, I am.  People Can Choose to Accept me As I am or Forget It.  

The song, 'I am what I am' says this so brilliantly and dramatically.   And the fact is, some people might not agree with us or like who we are or how we live, but that should not shake our self belief.  That's their choice. We can only be who we are and if we do anything different, we are not being true to ourselves.  If we are only putting on a 'face' to please others we're passing up the chance to share who we truly are and to make the difference we are here to make.  You don't have to be like anyone else.   Just let your uniqueness and brilliance shine!

 

2. 'The Best of Times is Now'

We are often so intent on achieving our future aims or dwelling on past misfortunes, that we forget to enjoy right NOW.   It's good to learn from the past and it's great to have plans for the future, but don't put your happiness on hold until you get that promotion, that car, that house or that fame.   By all means go for those if that's what you truly want, but remember to enjoy what you are and what you have today.

 

3. When We Try to Be Something We're Not, Eventually We Get Found Out!

We can go to enormous trouble to put on a show to please someone else. It can cause us huge amounts of stress, because we're acting out of character and pretending to be something we're not.   In the end, it can prove just too difficult for us to uphold or some unplanned incident gives us away.  I'm not suggesting we close ourselves to learning and developing our character (far from it!), just that we should be aware of what is truly important to us and what makes our life worthwhile.   If we abide by that, we can't go too far wrong.

 

4. Whatever You Do or Don't Do, Those That Really Love You, Will Love You Anyway

At the end of "La Cage Aux Folles", even knowing that the family she is marrying into is way outside what she has been brought up to believe is 'right' and 'proper', Anne chooses to marry Jean-Paul anyway and actually loves the different environment that has, after all, helped make Jean-Paul what he is anyway!   If we were all the same, life would be very dull and it's often what makes us different, that makes us interesting and good to be around.   Those who really matter and love you, will be there for you no matter what and those who choose not to accept you for who you are, never really loved you anyway.   The key in 'Unconditional Love' and there's nothing more powerful.

 

So be who you are and be proud of it.   Make it easy for your real character to shine through so that people have the chance to love you unconditionally and enjoy all the pleasures every day has to offer.

 

If you are find it difficult or are concerned about being who you really are, you may find support helpful.   Please contact me on 0772 581 8884 to book an initial risk-free and non-judgmental appointment.   You can also reach me on annie@breathingspacetherapies.com

  

I hope this newsletter has stimulated some thoughts and ideas.   Do let me have your feedback and views.  Keep well, productive and happy and do let me know if I can help in any way. With love and thanks as always

Annie