If other people do not understand...so what?

"If other people do not understand our behavior—so what? Their request that we must only do what they understand is an attempt to dictate to us. If this is being "asocial" or "irrational" in their eyes, so be it. Mostly they resent our freedom and our courage to be ourselves. We owe nobody an explanation or an accounting, as long as our acts do not hurt or infringe on them. How many lives have been ruined by this need to "explain," which usually implies that the explanation be "understood," i.e. approved. Let your deeds be judged, and from your deeds, your real intentions, but know that a free person owes an explanation only to himself—to his reason and his conscience—and to the few who may have a justified claim for explanation." — From the The Art of Being, by Erich Fromm

Authenticity

"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” ~ Dr. Brene Brown, The Gift of Imperfection

Our deepest calling...

"Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks--we will also find our path of authentic service in the world." ~ Parker J. Palmer, Author/Educator

Build the Life You Want

I propose a radical, yet ancient notion: To build the life you want--complete with inner satisfaction, personal meaning and rewards--create the work you love.  By this I mean invent a way to earn an income doing what you do best, while serving others, becoming authentic, fulfilling the highest standards of your vocation.  This is spiritual work.  It's life's assignment.  And most of us are well-equipped to do it. ~ Marsha Sinetar, "To Build the Life You Want, Create the Work You Love"

Become Yourself

Now all that is left is for you to become yourself. ~ Goethe, German poet

Use Your Voice and Be Not Afraid

"Give voice to what you know to be true, and do not be afraid of being disliked or exiled." - Eve Ensler, Playwright/Activist, author of Vagina Monologues