It's so easy to fall into the trap of wanting more, hoping for more, and striving for more. The reason this becomes a trap that entangles us is because somewhere along the way, we transform into someone we aren't based on chasing the latest trends that we likely wouldn't have chased in the first place.
For me, embracing authenticity has been a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. There have been moments of doubt and fear, but also moments of courage and growth. One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is that authenticity isn't about being perfect -- it's about being real.
I invite you to join me in a special authenticity challenge. Today's challenge is all about expressing your authentic self through my favorite thing -- creativity. Here's how you can participate.
- Choose your creative outlet: Whether it's writing, painting, singing, dancing, or any other form of creative expression, choose a creative outlet that you are most interested in.
- Set aside time: Carve out some dedicated time in your day to engage in your chosen creative activity. It could be a few minutes or a few hours, whatever works best for you.
- Let go of perfection: Remember, this isn't about creating a masterpiece -- it's about expressing yourself authentically. Let go of any expectations of perfection and allow yourself to play, explore, and have fun.
- Share your creations: After you've finished your creative activity, consider sharing your creations virtually. Post a photo, video, or snippet of your work on social media using the hashtags: #authenticitychallenge #shondaramseyofficial (feel free to tag my social media and I'll share your post in my stories!) I'll even pick one lucky winner to receive a surprise box in the mail from me filled with goodies from my gift shop! The last day for entries is the end of the day, Sunday, April 7, 2024. Hashtags must be used in order to be eligible.
As part of today's challenge, I'm committing to embracing my authenticity through writing. Writing has always been a powerful outlet for me to express my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. So today, I'm setting aside some time to write from the heart to include in my Authentically Anchored Companion Workbook.
Today's journal prompts:
- Reflect on your creative experience: Journal about your experience with today's authenticity challenge. How did it feel to engage in your chosen creative activity? What emotions and insights arose during the process? Reflect on any surprises or breakthroughs you encountered along the way.
- Explore your authentic self: Consider what today's creative expression revealed about your authentic self. Did you discover any new aspects of yourself through your creative exploration? How does this creative activity align with your values, passions, and desires? Take some time to explore what authenticity means to you in the context of creative expression.
- Set intentions for future authenticity: As you wrap up today's challenge, think about how you can incorporate more authenticity into your daily life moving forward. What actions or habits can you add to embrace your authentic self more fully? Set some intentions or goals for how you can continue to express yourself authentically in the days and weeks ahead.
Remember, authenticity is not a destination -- it's a journey. It's about showing up for who we are in this moment, imperfections and all, fully and authentically in the world.
I can't wait to see what you create and share for this challenge!
With Grace,
Shonda