From the Shores of the Ottawa River

My  blog today is inspired by a blog that I follow. Check Antony’s blog  here https://tonysbologna.com/2023/05/30/embrace-your-boldness-how-to-find-the-magic-behind-the-mirror/

When I lived in  Edmonton Alberta,  I drove like a  speed demon. One summer, I had my license suspended,  for 30 days because I had too many speeding tickets. I  drove a cute  convertible Italian sport car; an Alfa and it was summer. Need I say more? lol.     

In life, many of us get stuck, letting fear stop us from living an authentic life. We are afraid, to be noticed. Even afraid to make a comment on   friends’ social media page. We care too much about what people think of us,  or we believe what we have to say doesn’t matter.   What you have to say matters because being authentic is living life with richness.  Stand out, make a difference in life.

Indeed, My writing has got me into trouble several times because not everyone agrees with my perspective. I have lost friends and family because of what I wrote. But it does not stop me from writing. I have freedom  to write what I want because I don’t answer to anyone and at the end of the day, what does it matter what I write? Although at times, when I’ve written about family issues, that’s where I got into trouble, I’ve been told “you shouldn’t be putting our business online”.

I attended the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects Conference  in Ottawa on   May 29.   And I  was impressed with the morning speakers. They spoke with conviction  and passion acknowledging  that their presentation would not be accepted by the government. Their boldness is what I’m talking about, being authentic and speaking your truth no matter if it falls in the face of being  politically incorrect.

What elevates people to speak their truth?  I discovered in Indigenous country; First Nation people speak their truth passionately  because their lives depends on it.  particularly when speaking about lands, language, environment, and culture.  I like that about my people. They are not afraid to stand in front of a room filled with people and not hold back what needs to be said, even if it uncomfortable for some to hear. Bravo.

What is holding you back from an authentic life?

There are options below, pick one that reflect how you think, and keep asking  yourself why until you have exhausted all excuses.

1. Too shy to speak out- I was like that. In university even when I had the answer, I was reluctant to raise my hand because I would blush  bright red, at least that’s what I thought. Because my face would be hot.  In the end it didn’t matter, did it?
2. Afraid to look stupid
3. Afraid to be wrong
4. You think you have nothing to offer
5. Someone else can do it
6. You  might get in trouble
7. You are too nervous
8. Someone will think you are showing off
9. You don’t think it is your place to speak.
10. Someone else should do it, but why not you?