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Awakening The Authentic Self
As we navigate through life, we often develop an identity that is shaped by external influences, societal expectations, and our desire for acceptance and validation. This constructed identity can be very convincing, even to ourselves. We create a version of ourselves that appears superhuman, embodying traits and behaviors that others find appealing and admirable. This superhuman version becomes a magnet for accolades and attention, filling a void within us, at least temporarily.
The development of this constructed identity begins early in life, as we learn to adapt to our environment and meet the expectations placed upon us. We may suppress certain aspects of ourselves that are deemed unacceptable or undesirable, while amplifying qualities that are rewarded and praised. Over time, this curated identity becomes ingrained, and we start to believe that it is who we truly are. The praise and recognition we receive reinforce this belief, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between our true self and the constructed persona.
However, beneath this superhuman facade, there is a deeper, more authentic self that yearns to be acknowledged and expressed. This true self is often relegated to the background, its voice muffled by the noise of external validation. We might slide food under the door to this inner self, providing just enough sustenance to keep it alive, but…
