When I was in grade school we went to a wonderful Lutheran ELCA church that I absolutely loved. One of the first things I remember learning at church was God first, then family, then self. Unfortunately as a child with my innate desire to help people, I took that literally thinking it meant everybody’s needs should come before my own. For the next 40+ years, I spent my life doing what I thought God and my family wanted and not thinking much about what I needed. I became the ultimate people pleaser losing myself in the process.

After the deaths of my sisters and mother-in-law, I started journaling. It was one of the ways I could manage the grief. Through that journaling I started realizing how inauthentically I was living. I learned so much during that year of journaling. Journaling helped me figure out if I was making decisions based on shoulds, wants, needs or unrealistic expectations. Most importantly I learned how to live for me. I still feel my life purpose is to help people but now I understand the importance of taking care of myself first.

Through societal, familial, and religious norms, we often find ourselves putting other’s needs before our own. Often times, we lose ourself in the process. If you have a desire to reconnect with your most authentic self, take advantage of early adopter pricing (July and August only) and purchase the self-paced written course you can take in your own time: Authenticity Guidebook. For additional instructor-led support (open discussion and additional exercises), sign up for the 3 virtual group workshops. See the Appointments and Packages page for all available dates and times.

You may also want to consider the Embrace Your Authenticity package that includes 1:1 support (only available in the Bridge Weaver Friends community). For details click here: Bridge Weaver Friends Community