The Real Me

The older I get, the more I see myself clearly. In my younger years, I was often confused between how friends and family saw me, how the world saw me, and who I really was.  I didn't know it at the time, however.

A lot of the time those were very different views.  It can get confusing.  Throw in how you want others to see you, and sometimes the waters get very murky.

The closer I get to discovering the Authentic Me, the clearer my waters become, and the less I care how the world sees me.

I was never one to be terribly preoccupied with what others thought, though I will admit that how I wanted to be and who I was have often strayed a bit.

Self Portrait
Being true to oneself means painting a clearer picture of yourself and then building on it.  Because if you do not start with a firm and true foundation, whatever you build, will eventually fall down - or else have a serious lean!  And we all know those "leaning tower of Pisa" People... often fun for the short term - but severely lacking the long term haul.

Not only am I standing taller and straighter these days, but I have a clearer path to the real me. And it feels damn good!  Don't mistake it for being the easier path, though.  It takes courage to be yourself sometimes, but the dividends will pay off in the end - often when you least expect it.  And lets face it, Authenticity is sexy!!!


How do you feel about the real you? Do you think the world sees the real you? Do you think you show the world the real you?

Comments

TarotByRachel said…
Oh, wow, Kelly... that Self Portrait, and your accompanying commentary... breathtaking. I couldn't agree with you more, and just before I visited your blog I was contemplating this very subject for an upcoming article of my own. I have to say, you're and inspiration! Is that self portrait available in poster size?
theTsaritsa said…
As I've gotten older I've realized it's less about what others think of me and more how I think of myself.

Beautiful painting :)
sherristakes said…
Love this portrait! Isn't an amazing thing finding self? After living without a true sense of who we are, it is so grounding - living with the layers that others put on us is so draining! Such a fun journey you are on!
Jules said…
I have always traveled to my own drum, others be or not be I left it up to them. I love the self portrait by the way :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

PS Not sure about this commenting form. I feel like I got more from the other way. Is it easier for you? Curious because I thought about this.
Ann said…
Here is what I think about your question... I think that the people I've grown up with such as family and in some cases, friends, see the me I used to be. That is, yes, in part they do see the real me, but they don't necessarily see the parts of me that have changed over the years. For example, I am the first to admit that am impatient, and I used to be extremely stressed - to the point where I actually developed two medical issues. A few years ago (post MORON!), I started doing yoga and as time went by I increased my practice - more challenging, more intense. It has done some amazing things for me - notably, helped me decrease my stressee behavior exponentially. And, I am much more patient. Those were two big factors in my life - negative ones. But the people who have known me 'forever' (mostly family) don't seem to see that change. They still associate the impatience and stressing to 'Ann.' But, with people I have met over the last few years, it's a little different because I suppose, they met the new and 'improved' me, if that makes sense. I would say that they know the real me - warts and all! My take on this is that sometimes people have a hard time really seeing you - because they put you in a niche and it's almost like you have to stay in that niche. Great post!
Repaci Ale said…
Crazy, I thought the same today, finally I feel that the outer self reflect the inner self, it's so liberating!
Suzie Q said…
Absolutely LOVE your self portrait. Yes, those leaning tower people make for the life of the party but come short everytime!!!! I love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing with us, it takes courage to put yourself out there.
Kelly said…
Thank you very much for your well thought out answer. I am in agreement with you, in that some friends and family who have known me a long time often have blinders on and see you as you were and not as you are.
Kelly said…
I like that imagery "the layers that others put on us".... may even spark a painting...
Kelly said…
Sometimes I think there is just something cosmically right :)
Thank you for your kind words. Self actualization is a process... I am actually just getting stuff in order to sell some of my art online. I am glad you like my self portrait :)
I will see what I can do about making some posters available!
Kelly said…
Thank you Suzie Q. That means alot to me. And it is I who is in awe of you and the remarkable courage you have shown on your journey - of being Moron Free!!
Kelly said…
As I said to Rachel - we all must have some cosmic connection :)
Kelly said…
Thank you little drummer girl :)
I am sorry you are not liking this commenting platform. I actually really like the ease of replying to every comment individually, and the "discussion" feel of it as others can comment on the comments. What is it that you do not like about it, Jules? I sincerely am interested in knowing.
Kelly said…
Thanx :) You are so right. Wisdom with age, or is it age with wisdom?!?!
Legacy2000 said…
I love the self-portrait - if it were a song, it would be one of those beautifully haunting ballads that makes you stop what you're doing and listen intently to every note. I very much related to the post. I was one of those leaning tower people until hiding behind the safety of anonymity in a strange corner of the googleverse gave me the courage to be completely honest with and about myself. I did not realize how liberating this can be until I started doing the same in the world of names and faces.
Kelly said…
Thank you for the kind and poetic words, Legacy. I am glad you are no longer on a lean :)
Thebabyblackbird said…
Good question...I think the real me is still changing, or maybe I have a few real me's {mom, wife, friend, fashion designer, etc}. I'm sure the world, well I know the world doesn't' see me as I truly am. BUt I think that keeps life interested, people surprise you it's nice not knowing what to expect exactly.
Kelly said…
I agree that life = change, nothing is ever static, and that sure does keep life interesting!!!

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