There is something within you that is completely unique, something that cannot be replicated, replaced, or erased. It’s not just your personality, your talents, or the roles you play in life—it’s something deeper. It’s your essence.
Your essence is the energy you bring into the world, the way you see things, the quiet knowing in your soul that whispers who you truly are. It’s not something you have to create—it’s something you already are. But in a world that constantly tells us who we should be, it’s easy to drift away from it.
The Layers That Cover You
From the moment we’re born, we absorb expectations. We learn to behave in ways that make others comfortable. We mold ourselves to fit in, to be accepted, to avoid rejection. Over time, layers build up—layers of what we think we should be.
• The layer of people-pleasing, where we silence our own needs to keep the peace.
• The layer of comparison, where we measure ourselves against others and feel like we come up short.
• The layer of self-doubt, where we hesitate to step into who we truly are.
But your essence is still there, waiting beneath it all. The real question is—are you listening to it?
Recognizing Your Essence
Being true to your essence doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest voice in the room. It doesn’t mean you have to change who you are—it means returning to who you’ve always been.
Ask yourself:
• When do I feel most alive?
• What makes me lose track of time?
• When do I feel like myself, without trying?
Your essence shines when you are in flow—whether that’s through creativity, deep conversations, being in nature, teaching, writing, moving your body, or simply being present.
Letting Go of What Isn’t Yours
To be true to your essence, you have to let go of the things that aren’t truly you. Not the parts of you that change and evolve, but the ones that were never yours to carry.
• Let go of the need to be understood by everyone—your essence is not for approval, it’s for expression.
• Let go of who you thought you had to be—growth is natural, but forcing yourself into a mold is not.
• Let go of the fear of shining—playing small doesn’t serve your soul.
Living in Alignment
Once you start honoring your essence, things begin to feel lighter. You no longer exhaust yourself trying to fit into a version of yourself that wasn’t meant for you. Instead, you:
• Speak with authenticity instead of saying what’s expected.
• Make choices that resonate instead of following a script.
• Surround yourself with people who see the real you instead of who they want you to be.
And the beautiful thing? The more you embrace your true essence, the more you inspire others to do the same.
You Are Here for a Reason
The world doesn’t need another copy. It doesn’t need you to shrink, shift, or shape yourself to fit someone else’s version of you. It needs you as you are.
So today, take a deep breath. Feel the weight of expectations fall away. And remember—being true to your essence is not something you have to earn. It’s something you simply have to allow.
Be you. Unapologetically. Completely. Fully. The world is better for it.
The Wild Gems 