Are You Checking in on Yourself?
There are so many books, talks and information streaming in from everywhere right now about how to be authentic and how to be vulnerable. And why is it that so many want to instruct us on how to be human?
Imagine if from the time we were kids, it was ok to explore who we are and not be shamed or judged for not being the way society expects us to be. Would we then need to learn how to be authentic and vulnerable later in life?
Getting to the root cause of why we need this guidance to be truly ourselves is the bigger question here.
Is it just me or how many calls, meetings and off-sites have you been to where you wanted to get on the table and say, “does anyone really believe any of this?” And you knew in your heart that if you could read the bubbles on top of people’s heads of what they were really thinking you’d all end up having a huge laugh at how ridiculous everything was.
But very few dare to be authentic or vulnerable in these situations because of the deep-seated fear we have been wired with of what will others think of us. And often, the silence is deafening.
Anthony Bourdain, like so many others, left this planet way too soon. And yet, he left us gifts without instructing us on anything apart from loving our lives with curiosity and courage. His deep love of travel and food ignited so many people around the planet with his humor and ability to be truly human.
Wisdom from the Late Anthony Bourdain (RIP) Says it All
“Eat at a local restaurant tonight.
Get the cream sauce.
Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar.
Go somewhere you’ve never been.
Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you.
Order the steak rare.
Eat an oyster.
Have a negroni. Have two.
Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways.
Eat slowly.
Tip your server.
Check in on your friends.
Check in on yourself.
Enjoy the ride.”
What is real for you that you simply want to explore with ease and flow? Are you checking in on yourself?