Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Oct/Nov2019 Aspire Magazine | Page 26

5 Empowering Ways to Get Your Needs Met BY SHANNON KAISER G rowing up I believed that fitting in was belonging. I wanted so much to be liked that I actually hid parts of the real me from others. I was afraid to speak up, or share my opinions, I went along with what others wanted to do, even if it made me uncomfortable. But even in my effort to fit in, I still felt like an outsider looking in. People still made fun of me and talked behind my back. I decided that sacrificing myself to fit in was not a way to live, so instead of shying away from the real me, I began to express myself. There was a freedom that came from being more of my true self. I started to attract more like minded people and made real friends. What we all want is to be seen and understood, but how can we truly be apricated if we aren’t being ourselves. What we want is to belong, and gutting our needs meet is the key to a balanced life. 1. Let Go of Expectations 2. Go with the Way Things Are Going Here are five ways to connect to your true self so you can feel a sense of belonging. 26 www.AspireMAG.net | October / November 2019 Our expectations will rob us of joy. When we expect things to be a certain way, we miss the awesome opportunities that could be happening instead. What expectation are you ready to release? When things don’t go our way, we tend to get upset. But if we can go the way things are going, then we find harmony. I practiced being present and accepting what is, and saw that there is great freedom in the release. We can have an amazing time just enjoying the present and the unfolding of life. Can you stop trying to control your outcome and release expectations? Let things be what they are and go with the way they are going. You’ll feel so much better.