It shouldn’t have taken me 4 days.
Not with the plethora of “how-to” guides online.
But it took me that long.
After I spoke about “Purpose & Sacrifice” on this week’s IG Live, and about aligning our choices with our deepest values, I had a revelation-
-that being authentic was NOT about being real with someone else, but first and foremost a relationship with ourselves, and being true to our hearts.
You see, when I said I’d do a book giveaway, I genuinely wanted to gift a copy of my book “Savour.”
But the truth was- I had no idea how. The world online is filled with how-tos- do a reel, make people comment, tag a friend- all for the sake of growing engagement.
It was paralyzing. I couldn’t even begin.
Then mid-week, it was two dear friends who shared, “Encouragement over Engagement.” And “Stay true to who you are.”
I learnt something that day-
That true authenticity can only be measured by ourselves.
The truth is- no one would accuse me of being inauthentic if I did the book giveaway the usual way. But I knew something deep down didn’t resonate.
God spoke clearly to me about gifting it to someone who had written in. And even if my approach was naive, even if it didn’t tick all the checkboxes of a “good giveaway,” it was at least- true to my heart.
In the same way, only YOU know how aligned your actions are with your values- whether you’re doing it because “the world says so” or if it truly resonates with your heart.
Maybe people have said you’ve been silly to quit your job. That pivoting now is unwise. That spending time with your kids at the peak of your job trajectory is career suicide.
But only YOU know what values you cherish.
Will you let the world define the right answers for you? Or will you do the hard work of searching your values and owning the power you have to make the decisions that emanate from your heart? Will you let momguilt own you or will you own your choices?
Seasons change. One day, I might do a proper giveaway, fanfare and all, and feel good about it.
But for now, I know what’s more important is to, as my book “Savour” says, “follow the song in your heart.”