You Can’t Lie to Yourself

Dear Readers,

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, replaying the moments you chose to say “yes” when your heart screamed “no”??

Maybe you accepted that job you didn’t want because it seemed practical. Or you stayed silent in a conversation, nodding along when every fiber of your being wanted to speak out.

It’s a quiet kind of pain. Isn’t it? The pain of betraying yourself.

We rarely talk about this kind of hurt—the one that comes from denying who you are.

You tell yourself it’s for the best, that this is what’s expected, that things will change eventually. But deep down, you know it comes with a cost.

The cost of joy. The cost of authenticity. The cost of peace.

Here’s the hard truth: You can’t lie to yourself.?

Not really. You can suppress your dreams, disguise your pain, or rationalize your choices—but your heart knows. It beats a little differently when you’re off track.

You carry the weight of those unspoken dreams, those swallowed truths, and those unlived moments wherever you go.?

Even in a crowd, you feel alone. Even in success, you feel hollow.

Staying true to yourself doesn’t break you. It frees you.

Every tear shed in frustration, every moment spent wishing for something more—they’ve been quietly planting the foundation for your next chapter.?

It won’t be easy at first.

In the short term, being true to yourself might feel like losing.

Losing the approval of others. Losing the comfort of familiar routines. Losing the illusion of control.

It might feel like the world is moving on without you.

It takes courage to stay true to yourself, especially when the world is shouting at you to conform.

You may lose friends who don’t understand your journey.?

You might lose things—relationships that were never meant for you, opportunities that came with strings, and illusions of safety. But what you gain will eclipse every loss.

You’ll find people who love you for who you truly are. You’ll attract opportunities that align with your passions. You’ll wake up each day feeling lighter, knowing you’re living in harmony with yourself.

Remember, the road to authenticity is not a sprint—it’s a journey.?

There will be days when the voices of doubt grow loud, but don’t let them drown out the whisper of your heart.

In the long term, the rewards are immeasurable. You win something far more valuable than applause or accolades—you win peace.?

Authenticity is a magnet for the right people, the right opportunities, and the kind of life that feels like home.

So, dare to be real. Dare to say “no” to what doesn’t serve you and “yes” to what sets your soul ablaze.?

The pain of honesty is temporary. The joy of living your truth is forever.

So, let today be the day you:

• Speak your truth, even when it shakes the room.
• Pursue what sets your soul on fire, even if it’s unconventional.
• Stand tall, even when it feels like the odds are against you.

Your future self is cheering for you. Are you ready to meet them?

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025!

With love and hope,

Okowa