The courage to be who you truly are and want to be…
Have you ever felt like you're living your life on someone else's terms? Like your choices, your dreams, your actions are dictated by invisible forces—society’s expectations, family pressures, or the constant need to meet someone else’s idea of success?
What if the key to living a truly liberated, authentic life lies not in fitting in but in learning to stand out, to follow your own path with unwavering courage?
This journey, my friends, is about growing a pair of wings—a metaphor for the freedom that comes from embracing your true self and saying yes to the life you want to create, regardless of what others think or say.
The Weight of Social Norms and Expectations
Since childhood, we've been conditioned to follow certain rules. "This is how you should behave." "This is what success looks like." "This is the way to do things." We’ve been taught that there’s a right way to live, to love, to work, to be.
But what if the life that is expected of you isn't the life that fits you? What if the standards that society upholds are actually holding you back from your truest potential? The truth is, living by these norms can feel like walking with a heavy weight on your back, one that grows heavier with every step.
Here’s the reality: You were not put on this Earth to live a life designed by others. You were meant to chart your own course, break free from expectations, and embrace the freedom that comes with being unapologetically yourself.
Breaking Free: The Power of Saying "NO" to Others
One of the hardest things we face in this world is the pressure to conform. Whether it’s to fit in at work, in relationships, or even in the context of social media, the urge to please others can be overwhelming.
But what if the most powerful word you could ever say is NO?
Saying NO to the things that do not serve you, to the people who do not honour your boundaries, and values - and to the social constructs that stop you to perform the powerful act of radical self-love and courage. It’s about prioritizing your happiness and peace of mind above all else.
Imagine the freedom of choosing your path—saying NO to the expectations that don’t align with your values, and YES to a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. It's liberating.
The Courage to Say "YES" to Yourself
The most revolutionary thing you can do is to say YES to yourself. Yes to your dreams. Yes to your quirks. Yes to your authenticity, even if it doesn’t fit into someone else’s idea of how you should be.
When you say YES to yourself, you acknowledge that your happiness matters. You accept that your passions are valid and that your dreams are worth pursuing. And you open yourself up to the kind of life that you’ve always wanted—one filled with purpose, joy, and freedom.
To grow your wings, you have to take that first leap. It’s going to be scary. You may worry about what others will think, or if you’ll be judged for not following the rules. But remember, the people who are meant to be in your life will respect you for your courage, not for your conformity.
Finding Freedom in the Present Moment
True freedom isn’t about a distant future when everything aligns perfectly. It’s about creating a life where you actively choose what feels right for you, now.
You don’t need permission from anyone to be who you are. You don’t need approval to chase your dreams. Freedom comes from realizing that the only validation you need is your own.
Here’s a simple exercise to start your journey towards freedom: Ask yourself, "What would I do if no one’s opinion mattered?" Then, go and do it. Whether it’s picking up that paintbrush, starting that business, or simply speaking your truth—choose the life that excites you. And, ‘what would you say if no one’s opinion mattered’? Would you say what is truly on your mind, what you are thinking about – YOUR opinion.
Embrace the Journey
Growing wings isn’t a one-time event. It’s a process. Sometimes the wind will be in your favour, and sometimes it won’t. There will be moments of doubt, of fear, but each step forward is a step toward more freedom, more confidence, and more joy.
When you allow yourself to live freely, you stop living in reaction to others, and you begin to create a life that’s an expression of your deepest self. A life where you are at the centre of your own story, where your desires and values shape every decision you make.
So, take a deep breath. Stretch your arms wide. And let yourself fly.
Embrace the courage to be who you truly are, and remember: the world needs your unique spark. Your wings were made to fly.
Your brain will thank you.
Mette Theilmann Founder of HerEdge Cote d’Azur Club
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