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Healthy Workforce, Presentation Skills, 30 Sec Networking Commercials

"May LOVE be our new currency,

And PEACE our new measure of success.

May TRUTH be our new security,

And JOY our new status symbol."

~Debbie Barnett~

Most of us live a homogenized life. We do everything we can to fit in and not stand out.  We're like little toy soldiers, made from the same plastic mold. 

We're conditioned to fit into gender roles right from the start. What's the first question anyone asks a pregnant woman: "What are you having, a boy or a girl?" Then school starts and the homogenization really kicks in. Conform or be labeled "special," and not in a good way. We go to work for companies who want people to do as they are told and not make waves. It seems every aspect of society acts in collusion to keep us in our place.

Take sales and marketing, for example. Conditioning says that in order to be successful at sale, you have to get out there and cold call and make it happen. If that goes against your nature, it's likely to backfire on you. People will sense falseness about you, and are not likely to buy from you.

To be authentic is to be original and true, not like anyone else. It's a life lived for you and you alone, regardless of what society or your family thinks. As I like to say in yoga class, it takes courage to choose a resting pose when no one else does. Courage isn't the absence of fear; its feeling the fear and doing it anyway. To be willing to be different says a lot about your character.

Your life is like a blank canvas, with you as the artist. Each day we're given the opportunity to validate who we are at our core, or to ignore it and go with our conditioning. Your life will either be a beautiful piece of art, or it will be a cookie cutter cutout like everyone around you. You choose.

Where to begin:

1. Notice when making decisions if the thought, "I wonder what people will think of me?" comes up. That's a clue that you're living from your conditioning vs. your authentic self. See how often this shows up in your life. Probably more than you realize.
2. If you're around someone or something that does not allow you to be yourself, know that this is unhealthy. Do what you can to free yourself from these people or situations.
3. Do some journaling in the area of what you really want from life. What are you passionate about? What can you begin doing that you've held yourself back for fear of what others will say?
4. Take small steps towards being the real you. Where can you begin to say "no" to your conditioning, and "yes" to what you heart desires?
5. Have patience with yourself. The homogenization process has worked on you your entire life, so don't expect change overnight. Just begin.

The world deserves to see the beauty that is truly, uniquely you. By living an authentic life, you'll inspire others to do the same. And the world will be a better place because of it.

Namaste,

Debbie