The physical and emotional turmoil of feeling everything at a high intensity level can be overwhelming and debilitating. For many empaths, this results in anxiety, depression, withdrawal, isolation, rejection, and just not feeling well overall. To protect themselves from these painful experiences, some empaths find it easier to hide behind a façade than to be authentic and live their true expression.
In the book The Velveteen Rabbit, a plush bunny becomes “real” after being loved for years by a child. It’s not easy, and it can be painful, but according to the book’s author Margery Williams, “when you are real, you don’t mind being hurt.”
The process of becoming real requires love and that’s not all. “It takes a long time,” Williams cautions. “That’s why it doesn’t happen that often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.”
How do we become real, soften our edges, and not break easily?
Acknowledge who you are
Find support
What I’ve learned in this process is that it is harder to remain hidden and live an illusion than it is to embrace who I truly am. Being visible has empowered me to connect with other empaths and sensitives. Validation and support from others are key in helping with this transition. It’s not been easy. The path requires sacrifices, and I have experienced losses. It’s been bumpy with many emotional ups and downs. I’ve experienced joy mixed with sorrow.
I’ve grieved for time I lost when I was not authentic. Instead, I conformed, disguised, and blended in. Connecting with other empaths, healing together and individually has helped me to fully embrace and share my “realness.” My mission here on Earth is to help others acknowledge the pain of being an empath and teach them what I’ve learned to help move through the process.
Ways I have become more “real”
To be real, you have to be comfortable with loving yourself so much that you, like the velveteen rabbit, “get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
You are real, and you are loved just as you are.
Like me, you’re here on a mission that requires you to show up as your most authentic self. Thank you for accepting your mission and being on the planet to make it a better place.
For support and guidance, book a call at www.tammyzumbo.com to learn how I may serve as your guide.
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I look forward to hearing from you . In Peace,
Tammy Zumbo, LCSW-R
