On discovering your authentic self

Top of Mind 10.17.23

Oct 17, 2023

In the shadow of the horrors unfolding in Israel and Gaza, my heart is heavy with layers of grief, disappointment, anger and fear. It's been tough to find normalcy, to peel my eyes away from the relentless updates. My usual rhythm felt wrong, leaving me questioning if I should even send out this newsletter. But writing has provided me the healthy distraction I needed. I hope that in the midst of this turbulence, this newsletter can offer you too a moment of calm - a chance to immerse yourself in self-reflection. If now's not the time for you, it's okay. This letter will wait patiently in your inbox. Sending you love.

COOKING Sausage and Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup *use Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi
WATCHING Lessons in Chemistry on AppleTV
MOVING 20 min Hip Hop Ride with Olvia Amato on Peloton
BUYING Mini Me Toddler Slippers (Girl, Boy)
REFLECTING My weekend in Vail: no kids, best friends & golden aspen trees

Currently….

On October 2, I hit "publish" four times - on my blog, my newsletter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Each click felt like an exhale. As I announced my shift from my "dream job" to working full-time on New Modern Mom, messages of support flooded in, and I felt invigorated. So many of you reached out, shared your stories, and told me that my words echoed your feelings.

I had planned this announcement, of course, like any good marketing campaign. Clear goals, expected outcomes. However, I did not anticipate how it would make me feel; how a weight would be lifted off my shoulders.

I realized the burnout I felt was not rooted in my job dissatisfaction (although obviously that was part of it), but in the professional persona I had constructed over the years. I had created this alter ego in the belief it would help me progress in my career, shielding me from insecurities of being too young, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, subscribing to "fake it till you make it," while constantly battling imposter syndrome. For a decade, I lived a divided life - professional on one end and personal on the other, yet neither truly represented who I am.

Contrary to what society suggests (and what I definitely believed), motherhood is not about losing yourself, but rather, a journey towards discovering your authentic self. Motherhood gave me the patience to gain perspective and the confidence to take action. It compelled me to view myself not as the world wanted me to be, but as who I am. It clarified my values, boundaries, vulnerabilities, passions, and purpose.

Authenticity is more than just being true to yourself. It transcends every aspect of your life - your career, your role as a mother, a friend, a partner. It helps build genuine relationships, helps you create meaningful work, raise empathetic children, deepen bonds, foster respect, and mutual growth.

So, if you too are questioning your current role or career path, ask if it allows you to be your truest self. Take inventory of your internal and external motivators. Incorporate small, intentional daily acts that work towards the path to living your authentic life.

With my fresh start, I'm excited to present my authentic self on this platform. Expect reviews, advice, TMIs, and more from me and my newly formed expert panel as we navigate motherhood together. This newsletter remains a space for my musings, reflections, and most importantly, our shared pursuit for the lives we wish to live.