WELLNESS & WELL-BEING
Finding
Freedom to
Be You
By Sharee Silerio
F
or much of my life, I did, said and became things to
please other people.
Their approval was a priority over my sanity, self-
worth and desires. It made me indecisive, constantly at
the mercy of others’ beliefs, feelings and opinions. It left
me not knowing who I was, or how to be who I wanted to be.
As I anticipate the end of summer and the eighth month of the
year, I realize that evolution of my environment and self is inevitable.
According to biblical numerology, the number eight signifies new life,
resurrection, a new covenant and new beginnings. The essence of this
number that is two less than 10 – which represents completion – is
transformation, alignment and authenticity.
It is my belief that we are not only physical, but divine beings
crafted by God. I also believe that we were all born for a purpose - to
do something with each day we live and breathe, and to ultimately
love other people. Part of this process requires us to connect with the
creator’s vision for our existence and become who God made us to be.
August is a meaningful season to refresh or rediscover who we are.
Opening a blank chapter of life, rewriting a chapter or editing one
requires a few things from us - especially freedom. Here’s how you
can break free from fear, criticism and more to develop into your most
authentic, powerful and marvelous self.
• Embrace change. There is no life without change. Change is the core
of life.
• Remember who you were as a child. It offers clues to the true you.
• Accept who you are now. Self-love breeds power and fearlessness.
• Don’t judge yourself – past, present or future. You were who you were
with everything you had at the time.
• Don’t concern yourself with the opinions of others. Most see things
from their limited experiences, and the soul is mostly hidden.
• Take risks. Seek what you enjoy; what naturally interests, moves,
motivates and inspires you.
• Talk to yourself. Ask yourself who you would be if it weren’t for this
or that? How do you envision your best life and self?
• Be patient. It took a number of years for you to be who you are today,
so be kind to yourself when it comes to discovering and becoming
your divine identity.
It’s never too late or early to become your best self. Take it one day at
a time. When you can, help others do the same.
Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer, a blogger, and a film and TV
writer and producer. Her work has appeared in The Root, Curly Nikki and
The St. Louis American. For more information, visit shareesilerio.com or
sincerelysharee.com.
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