Page 17 - Demo

www.i-am-magazine.comHere are a few questions to help uncoverthose values:What motivates me to keep going, even whenthings get hard?What do I stand for, even if I stand alone?What am I willing to sacrifice for others?What makes me feel proud of who I am?When have I felt the most %u201clike myself%u201d?If altruism is a recurring theme in your answers,whether through service, compassion, support,or justice, it may be one of your foundationalvalues.The Gut-Mind Conflict: Listening to YourselfThere are times when your instincts say onething, but your mind says another. This tug-ofwar can create anxiety and self-doubt. You maywant to help someone but worry you%u2019ll be takenadvantage of. Or perhaps you feel compelled tospeak out but fear judgment or backlash.This is where listening to your personality, andparticularly your values, becomes crucial. One ofthe best ways to do this is by listening to yourgut.Science supports the concept of a %u201cgut feeling.%u201dYour stomach houses the enteric nervoussystem, often referred to as the %u201csecond brain.%u201dIt sends signals to your brain that are deeplyconnected to your emotional state. Whensomething feels wrong or right, your body reacts,so I recommend paying attention to that.By identifying what triggers discomfort orunease, you%u2019re gaining insight into your personalboundaries, your dislikes, and your values. Inmany cases, those feelings emerge when youractions are misaligned with who you really are.Protecting and Honoring Your PersonalitySometimes, your personality might not resonatewith others. People might find you too quiet,too loud, too emotional, too blunt, or toodifferent. But those very qualities are whatmake you, YOU. The more unique you are, themore likely others will attempt to mold orcritique your personality to fit theirexpectations.When this happens, lean into your altruisticvalues. Let kindness be your strength, not justto others, but to yourself. Practice positive selftalk and affirmations.Remind yourself:%u201cMy empathy is not a weakness.%u201d%u201cI don%u2019t have to change to make otherscomfortable.%u201d%u201cBeing true to myself is the highest form ofself-respect.%u201dThis internal validation helps shield yourpersonality from external pressure. You%u2019re nothere to be universally accepted. You%u2019re here tobe authentic.17