By Esther Cohen

Many people struggle with giving themselves permission to truly be their genuine, unique, imperfect selves. They are pressured by all sorts of internal and external demands and expectations compelling them to comply and be the acceptable self the world wants to see.  

Of course, we don’t live in a vacuum. There are principles and constraints that need to be respected to foster a harmonious environment which nurtures kindness and compassion in society.

Carl Rogers, founder of Person-Centred Counselling, highlights the importance of permitting us to be our authentic selves, achieve personal growth and allow our inner light to shine. Rogers defines the “fully functioning person” as someone receptive to learning and experiences, who trusts their own judgment and aims to live in congruence with their true self. It is about fulfilling one’s potential.

For some, allowing our inner light to shine openly without reservations can bring feelings of vulnerability and fear of rejection, as this may clash with the forever-changing trends of society which dictate how one should live.

Each of us is gifted with bespoke abilities, strengths and sensitivities that make up the ‘toolkit’ we need to trek through life’s journeys. As we travel, we walk, we rest, we run and lose direction, we fall, we stand up and shake the dust, we give and receive love and joy, all the while learning lessons and new tools which we share, enabling others to go through their journeys with more ease.

Why not give it a go?

 Gift yourself the permission to be you and the freedom from what others think

Shine your light so bright that it illuminates not only your path but also the path for others.