How we perceive ourselves is likely not how others perceive us. We develop ways of being to hide in plain sight, allowing us to operate without truly being seen.

We make ourselves small and blend in to ensure we don't take too much space from others.

We keep the conversation going so we don't have to experience the discomfort of silence.

We remain silent to ensure we don't say the wrong thing.

We speak louder than others to distract us from some of the discomforts we feel.

We go last so we can understand what others expect from us.

We push ourselves to do more so we don't risk falling behind the pack.

We avoid tough conversations to ensure we don't compromise our relationships.

We don't ask for help because of what it might say about us.

We always say yes so we don't let others down.

Every behaviour has a meaning and serves a purpose.

The right behaviours are the ones we already have. The ones we choose to deliberately or unconsciously develop help serve who we are. They support us, and they keep us safe. They got us to today.

They also keep the status quo and keep us functioning at today's standards. Sometimes, they no longer align with where we're going and who we want to become.

And then, there comes the choice. We can continue to hide, and we can also choose to be seen.

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Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.

Further reading

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Taking on more perspectives

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2 years ago · 3 likes · 2 comments · Miguel Lavigne

Sunday Spark

The courage to change

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2 years ago · 3 likes · Miguel Lavigne

Sunday Spark

The power of identity

Our identity is like a lens through which we choose to look at ourselves. It's a representation of who we think we are and even who we think others expect us to be. I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am. – Charles Cooley…

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2 years ago · 4 likes · 2 comments · Miguel Lavigne