Aware of my feminine energy and grounded in my personal growth, yet without losing my humility, I wasn’t afraid to show up or speak out. Someone once advised me to hide the awareness I had gained and not to show my competence or self-assurance. I asked why, and the reply was that in the workplace I might provoke envy or make people uncomfortable – better, then, to tone it down.
A few years later, a friend of mine – a psychologist – met me for a drink after work. He was surprised to see me wearing make-up, high heels, and a powder blue pencil skirt. He asked if I always dressed like that for work. I laughed and replied that I had no intention of giving up being a woman in order to do my job, and that what I offer my clients is what I know to be valuable and what I apply in my own life.
How could I possibly be an example for the many women who come to me in search of their identity, or who are struggling because they can’t express themselves, if I were the first to deny who I truly am? How could I speak of self-confidence and help others to reclaim and grow theirs, if I were afraid to shine?
I never followed the advice to shrink into the shadows, nor did I fear being seen as seductive, because that goes against everything I believe. When I’ve met courageous people in life – those unafraid to express themselves, true leaders (not just bosses), people aware of their energy (including their sexual energy), strong and self-assured – I’ve been glad to know them. I’ve learned so much from them, and they’ve often been a source of inspiration.
We mustn’t be afraid to shine, to stand out from the crowd, to express our opinions, our sexuality and sensuality, or our personal power. Not only will you enjoy the confidence, strength, and freedom this brings – you may also become a source of inspiration and rebirth for someone else.