What a year! What a journey! After reflecting back on the last 10 months since I began writing this newsletter, I realized that being on the path to authenticity is about being in the present experience of your life and being accountable to your truth. So, why is it so hard to stay on course sometimes?

Awakening to your truth every day is hard. It means that you are being honest and humble regardless of whether you are rising or falling. It means that you are being real and transparent regardless of what others may feel or see. It means that you are reading and sharing stories with others to find meaningful connection and expand your awareness. Being on the path to authenticity is a daily grind to maintaining your mental, physical and spiritual well-being!

There were several times this year when I fell behind or felt stuck on the path. But, thanks to you and to this amazing community, I kept going. I am so grateful to have you here with me as my teammates and accountability partners on this journey. Together, we are creating space and tools to keep growing.

As a way of honouring the work that we have done and the work that we continue to do, I am including a list below of the topics that we have covered so far along with one related book recommendation per topic. I invite you to go back and re-read blog posts anytime. Depending where you are on the path, a specific topic and book may speak to you today more than before. The books that I recommend and the stories that I share with you are your journey guides.

Your Journey Guides: 

Connection: Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Creativity: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Emotional agility: Emotional Agility by Susan David
Vulnerability: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Self-compassion: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödron
Intention: Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed
Forgiveness: The Book of Forgiving by Desmond and Mpho Tutu
Resilience: The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger
Courage: The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Emotional Habits (and how to change them): Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom by Rick Hanson
Belonging: Hungry Hearts featuring essays from 16 thought leaders
Wholehearted Living: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Rituals: The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

What comes with living authentically and sharing your truth is the uncovering of your fears, your suffering, your desires and your dreams. As you know, it is revealing and vulnerable work. It feels hard at times, but I’m sure you’ll agree that by being on the path, despite the challenges, you feel more energized and connected. Not being on it would leave you feeling untethered and lost.

This is the path of your evolution. Your soul’s journey. The lessons you are learning and the personal discoveries that you are making will prepare you for what comes next week, next year, and beyond. Let’s keep reading, sharing, and moving forward in truth together. This is how we create emotional strength, agility and connection on the path to authenticity.

Please share my blog with friends who may want to join this beautiful community of big hearts. We will start the new year exploring the topic of trust.

Let’s journey together.

Our community is rooted in love and we love creative expression. Please feel free to share your creative expressions with us here and on Instagram #yourheartjourney | @meganlammam

With love,