Carve Out Spaces Where You Can Be More Whole

“No matter how I feel on the inside, I always try to project light and positivity on the outside.” (Shared by a woman at one of our events).

I facilitated an event yesterday where we discussed the difference between who we show to the world and who we are on the inside. One of the themes that emerged was: as women, we want to be seen as “light and positive.” We do not want our darkness or complications to burden those around us, so we “protect” others from who we are by acting happy.

From how we rest our faces, to how we write our emails - we want to be seen as light (but still deep), positive (but also realistic), and joyful (but not silly). .

There is a constant maneuvering and strategizing happening to be sure that we are seen as approachable and agreeable - while still somehow projecting depth, confidence, and strength.

And in this constant dance to be seen as happy, we don’t actually pay attention to what makes us happy.

Here is your invitation: Begin to carve out spaces where you can be more of your whole, beautiful dark, complicated, layered self. Start by creating that space inside of you; seeing all of your parts through the lens of compassion, empathy, and curiosity vs. your usually lens of disappointment, fear, and shame. And then find people who can hold space for more or all of you.

Choose to be happy over looking happy, by working to accept all of your hidden parts.

For more from Craft Your Path Founder Jacqueline Misla, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @JacquelineMIsla.