I watched the Bruce Jenner documentary last night. I was in tears. I could completely empathize with his feelings. Feeling like you had to be someone else and not be you is gut wrenching. Bruce Jenner threw himself into sports to avoid the conflict he had inside. He excelled and broke world records. Even though he was known as “The Best Athlete in the World”, he was still unfulfilled inside. When he spoke about the famous picture during the Olympics after receiving his medals, he said it was bitter sweet. He knew that he now the Olympics were over, he would have to deal with his internal battle. Although I did not deal with gender identity, his story hit close to home. I was trying to fit in by blending in. Bruce Jenner reinforced the reality to
Be You. Everyone Else is Taken.
Just imagine for a moment. Imagine you are 65 years old, have a huge family, with kids and grandkids. Although you loved them dearly, you hid a huge secret. You hid who you were at the core. You couldn’t share with them who you really were because you did not want to hurt them. In my life, I felt this way because I grew up in Pennsylvania in a predominantly Caucasian demographic. I was so different. From my name, to my dark complexion – I felt like an outsider. When my first grade teacher attempted to promounce my name, I quickly corrected it to “Annie”, my childhood nickname. And I used my nickname all through college. When I was in my late 20’s, I had an incident that rocked my world. I walked by a mirror and caught a glimpse of myself. I stopped and look a closer look. I didn’t recognize my reflection. It shook me to my core. For the next 8 years, I was on a path – a mission to find myself and just be me. I ended my marriage. I manifested my soulmate as divorced Mom. I left Corporate America after 16 years to fulfill my purpose in life. I have realized all of my experience in my life has given me the knowledge and expertise to help others. I help others manifest a fulfilled life with time for passion, self-care and presence through strategy and mindset.
When I watched Bruce Jenner’s journey, I looked back on my path. I was filled with emotion. When I made the decision to be my authentic self, I made huge changes that impacted the people closest in my life.
I am proud to say that my daughter is so much happier as a result of my life choices.
I can show them they can have it all. I am living my life on purpose and they see that everyday. They know they can do anything and be anything. Always remember to Be You. Everyone Else is Taken.
