Very recently, I have been reminded of just how important it is, to me, to be authentic and live in alignment with my beliefs and values. I have, for the past year, moved very much away from talking about my past, talking about my spiritual and personal growth and talking about my spiritual beliefs in general. I started falling out of alignment with what I know to be true, and what I know to be my calling in this life. What I know to be true, is that above all else, I value honesty, authenticity and growth. What I also know to be true, is my calling to share my story, and to express myself authentically. In the past year I had not been expressing myself in the ways that mean the most to me. I had left my past behind me.
I know some people say its good to leave the past in the past. But the past makes up the very fabric of who I am today. So, denying and hiding the past, is essentially denying and hiding important parts of who I am. I am not going to do that any longer. I have been very fortunate, in finding myself back in my profession as a peer worker, and in this profession, I show up every day, as who I truly am, and this is seen as a positive. This has really reminded me how truly beneficial it is to take off my mask and be my true self. It is invigorating, empowering and life-giving.
This reminder has prompted me, once again, to start living authentically, every day. I feel like it is especially important…crucial, in fact, to get my story and experiences out there, to assist others who may be struggling. And I honestly forgot how important this calling is to me. Don’t get me wrong, you will not be catching me talking about my past incessantly or when it is inappropriate to do so. It is still extremely important to remember that my past is only a mere portion of who and what I am.
But it is in my work, that I bare all. In my work, it is important to get my message out there. The message that despite hardship and struggle, you can build a life well worth living. This is a very important message, and I will honour this message, by living in alignment with the truest version of myself, and spreading the word.
This is my pledge.
Kate's Niche 