Be Who You Were Born to Be

We were born with unique traits, talents, gifts, and intent. Yet, instantly, the world around us treats us like empty vessels—ones who need lots of guidance and rules instead of recognising that we already come with an inner guidance system—our intuitive knowing. Slowly, we take on the world’s perceptions of us as our reality. Now, it’s time to uncover who we really are…

The signs that we’re acting more from nurture than nature are pretty easy to spot, should we choose to recognise them. They appear at all levels of our wellbeing—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We might experience aches and pains, trouble concentrating, or even a craving for time to do more of the things we love. We might feel angry, weepy, frustrated, or even depressed. The point is, there’s often more negative than positive, regardless of how it shows up.

The degree of misery that tips us into action will be different for each of us and will depend on what aspect of our lives it’s affecting. But when it comes to our overall happiness and wellbeing, being ourselves—the people we were born to be—is always the simplest path to feeling better.

Firstly, we need to recognise that there are (broadly speaking) two ways we present ourselves in the world. There’s the cosseted, task-focused version of us that operates day to day, often lost in our thoughts and disconnected from both the real us and the living, breathing world around us. Then there’s that version of us we catch glimpses of now and again, particularly on a relaxing holiday. That more open, relaxed, and present version is the one we need to work with. So, step one is about tuning in.

Once we’re tuned in, we begin to recognise that life is like a fast-moving river, best navigated by allowing our authentic, grounded inner voice (not the stressed one who is freaking out) to light the way to our wellbeing. At our essence, we are all energy, and our thoughts and feelings emit and attract energy every moment of every day. The better we feel, the lighter we feel (the proverbial weight lifts off our shoulders), and the more clarity we gain.

When we learn to go with the flow and make feeling good our priority—above everything—we will live our best lives, the ones we intended.

Let’s make a start. Let’s commit to at least observing in our lives what feels good and what feels bad. What feels good for you? We can consider how we might invite more of the good into our lives, inching forward if that is all we can do right now. Who we are on the inside, beneath any suffering and any well-meaning versions of our lives that loved ones have wanted for us, is the person who can do the most for this planet. Let’s go find that person and live fulfilled lives together.

For Those Ready to Dive Deeper

For those of us who are further along this path and already feel tuned in but still struggle with old patterns of behavior and reactions, it’s completely normal to find ourselves stuck in familiar situations or attracting new ones that echo our past stress stories. Stick with us; we didn’t get mired in these patterns overnight, and we generally won’t break free from them overnight either. This realisation opens up a world of exploration. A great place to start is my blog, Beyond the Silver Bullet: Embrace the Upward Spiral of Transformation. Written in October 2024, in it I reflect on the different phases of the journey and share insights and experiences that have emerged from a decade of conscious healing and growth.

In our lives, we often encounter recurring challenges that prompt us to reflect on our beliefs and behaviours. As we embrace these moments, we realise that transformation is not a linear process but an ongoing journey filled with opportunities for growth. Each time we revisit old patterns, we gain valuable insights that deepen our self-awareness and understanding.

It’s important to recognise that there is no quick fix to shedding self-limiting beliefs. Instead, it is through our commitment to this process that we evolve into the individuals we are meant to be. By sharing our experiences and insights, we can inspire and support one another as we navigate our unique paths, reminding us that healing and growth are collective journeys.

Looking Ahead - book coming!
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People have often encouraged me to write a book, and I’m excited to share that I’m finally taking this step! While my book will take time to develop—likely a couple of years as I continue my journey—I invite you to follow my blog for insights and updates along the way. Together, we can uncover who we truly are and support one another on this transformative path.

For more insights from Shona, watch the videos and follow her weekly blog.​

In this video, Shona shares her story, giving more context to the three important steps:
• Tune In
• Feel Good
• Accept Ongoing Change

Note: These videos are oldies but goodies—just like me! Filmed way back in 2016, they showcase some charming retro technology, including my lovely handwritten signposts that never fail to make me chuckle. While I might not claim to be a professional movie maker (or planning to crank out weekly videos anytime soon), the messages in these clips are still as relevant as ever.
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Sure, I may refilm them someday, but honestly, they capture a moment when I was much closer to the starting blocks. This makes them a perfect fit for anyone just beginning their journey. So, if you’re looking for a relatable perspective from someone who’s been in the trenches, these videos might just be your new best friends!

For more on the idea of the 'two versions of you' in the world, Shona discusses the role of your subconscious and how to live life more consciously, attracting more welcome experiences.