What happened to us along the way that we felt we had to start hiding and pretend to be something that we thought everyone one would want? How did we get so mixed up as to think that we could create a better person than the one we already are? I for one can't remember exactly when it happened but I know it did and now I spend a good part of my life trying to get myself back to being myself. Nothing is more refresing, more attractive, more engaging, then someone who is completely just who they are? It doesn't matter a bit if they are perfect only that they are unafraid to really be who they are. There is truly something about someone who is able to do this that we admire. It requires a great deal of courage and self confidence to express your indiviuality. All of the masks we wear in order to fit in or feel accepted eventually completely cover up who we are and pretty soon we don't feel comfortable anywhere we go. It is as though you have left parts of yourself behind and it is increasingly harder to be authentic. This is what happens when you have a need to be accepted by everyone everywhere you go. Maybe it all started when we were children. Be good, don't act like you are not happy or don't like something. I sure can remember lots of that happening. A friend of mine called me the other day and told me she was watching one of her favorite television shows and that she taped it because there was one line it she absolutely loved. An older women was at a gathering and someone said something that offended her. She simply turned and looked at the woman and said, "I don't like that." She thought it was such a wonderful repsonse that she had to watch it over and over again. The idea that you could just say I don't like that felt like a very liberating and gratifying response. I think it would be a good start to stepping into being in our truth and not afraid to acknowledge our true feelings. So the next time you have something happen and are at a loss for words try saying, "I don't like that." That's all it takes, not a confrontation, note a ton of anger, just a simple acknowledging of not liking something that happened instead of pretending it didn't bother you.