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You are here: Home / Blog / Reflections on Living authentically

Reflections on Living authentically

19th September 2019 By Jonelle

People often tell me that what they love about me is how authentic I am. Its the biggest compliment to me. To be told that my greatest inner value shows itself so outwardly. But it wasn’t always this way, for most of my life, I did everything the “right” way. I lived only to make other people happy. 

I second guessed my gut feeling telling me that I was uncomfortable with the choices I was making. 

I did what I thought was right instead of what I knew I wanted. I was struggling to find my feet, to find my path, to find my happiness. 

Every thing felt wrong. Then I nearly died. 

Nothing puts your life into perspective quite like fighting for it. 
I looked at myself and the values I believed in and I decided that this was it for me. This was my chance to finally live my truth, even if that meant upsetting other people. 

It helped me to realise that although we all die in the end, what matters most is how we spend the years we live. 

I stopped caring about the jobs I should be doing. The people I should be spending my energy on. The time I had started being about the people and things I love that make me happy. 

It’s funny how easy it is to actually be happy when you allow yourself to be. When you let go of all the stupid shoulds and you focus on the things you want. 

Suddenly, it’s okay to get all the visible tattoos you’ve always wanted because you don’t want the job that won’t accept that your brain works perfectly with tattoos on your skin. And who cares how they’ll look when you get old. I almost died at 32 without any visible tattoos. No one cared about the way I looked as I lay dying. 
   

You start to make decisions that are more in line with your vision and your heart and things just fall into place. 

When you decide, really decide to live authentically, to follow your heart and do what makes you happy, everything aligns. 

I’m happier than I’ve ever been. People comment on it all the time. My happiness is visible. 

Live your truth. Fuck anyone who doesn’t get your path. 
You only have this one shot. There are no do overs. 

Do all the things. 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Life, Reflections on Life, Self-Confidence, Women's Empowerment

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Celeste says

    21st September 2019 at 9:41 am

    *Taking a bow* All. Of. This. ❤❤❤

    There is no feeling better than being liberated and not giving a crap. Doing things your way and for YOU. Love your truth.

    And your tatts! I am loving it all.

    • TyrannyofPink says

      21st September 2019 at 6:49 pm

      Agreed! Thank you Celeste for always reminding me that living authentically is my thing. When I’m finding it a little harder, I often remind myself of your words about me! xoxo

  2. Kerry says

    19th September 2019 at 9:48 pm

    I absolutely LOOOOOOOOOVE this post! You nailed it. There is nothing quite like learning to live on your own terms.
    You get all the damn tattoos you want and live your best life because you deserve it and because you inspire us.

    • TyrannyofPink says

      21st September 2019 at 6:48 pm

      Thank you Kerry! Really appreciate that!
      It’s such an amazing feeling just saying fuck it and doing what makes you happy!!

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Hi, I’m Jonelle

I write things, I make art, I like good food, wine, a whisky after a rough day and I’m always up for a new adventure. I believe we can all contribute to a better world and we should do it while living authentically. I answer to “mommy,” live in Wellington New Zealand with my family and work for Local Goverment. Welcome to my blog…

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