“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
Coco Chanel, French fashion designer and businesswoman 

I can’t believe it’s already September! Time is moving so fast for me right now. How about you? Many of you are celebrating the Labor Day holiday so I wish you a safe and joyous celebration with your family and friends. 

What is it about being ourselves that we struggle with? I look back on the many years I spent wanting to please my parents, family, friends, teachers, employers and employees. In retrospect I wonder how many personas I’ve assumed in order to please everyone. I don’t believe it was conscious but nevertheless it happened. Hindsight is wonderful isn’t it? Although it’s been many years, perhaps looking back and recognizing the contrast of how I was then and who I am now was part of my personal growth and awakening. I chose to become different! I stopped listening to the negative inner voice of self-doubt, second guessing, and wondering if I deserved to be different with the help of a supportive partner, meditation, and friends. I accept me now in ways I’ve never done in the past. I value me! I’m grateful!

John Lennon, Singer, songwriter, and musician has said that, “There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or to our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” I’ve learned that the more I love myself I lean into self-acceptance. I understand that in order to help others, first, I must help, love, and accept myself otherwise I have nothing of value to give to someone. I choose to live life to the fullest and I’m grateful everyday that I get to be here! I choose love and to embrace life!

Accepting myself has proven to be empowering. I feel free in so many ways. I’m more comfortable speaking my truth and I know that I’m the co-creator, artist, and author of my life. I can choose to change me anytime I want. Brene Brown, American professor, lecturer, and author reminds us to, “Let go of who you think you are supposed to be and be who you are.” In doing this I’ve found more compassion, love, acceptance, inner strength, and understanding. How many personas will you choose to shed in order to accept yourself more? I love this journey of remembering and personal growth. How about you?

I am available, for private sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. If you would like to connect with me or schedule a channeled private session on Tuesdays and explore becoming more of who you are, please call Storm Wisdom (602)334-1204. I am also available by phone or Zoom on other days. To schedule go to victoriabarna.com.