What is the best Christmas gift? The gift of being yourself!  

In a society that often tells us who we should be, how we should look, and what dreams we should hold, it can be easy to lose a sense of who we really are. In trying to fit those societal expectations and standards, we often find ourselves tired, unfulfilled, and not giving our best to ourselves and those around us.    

At Show Your Spark, we believe that when we fully embrace and live as ourselves, we and others benefit. Keep reading to see why. We’ve included links to books that you can check out if you want to explore each of these topics more. 

Your Uniqueness Is Needed in This World!

You are unique and one of a kind. This is a good thing! Can you imagine how boring the world would be if we were all the same? Your uniqueness makes you You! Your uniqueness is a gift to this world! We need YOUR passions, dreams, skills, and personality.  

Concerned that expressing your authentic self is selfish? We say, “No!” Others thrive and have permission to be themselves when we step into our authentic selves. 

Not sure who YOU are? It’s never too late to find out! Now is the perfect time to learn and explore! It’s never too late! In fact, answering this question is one we must revisit often, as it is natural and right to grow and change throughout the years.  

One great tool we have found useful is the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. (Hint: Don’t let the word “artist” deter you from checking out this book, as it is for ALL who want to know themselves better.)

You Are Enough.

Yes, YOU…. just as you are, at this moment, are enough! 

Even if others don’t think it – You are enough! 

Even if “the world” doesn’t agree – You are enough!

Even if you don’t fully believe it yourself – You are enough!

When doubt creeps in (which it inevitably will), tell yourself, “I am doing the best I can with the resources I have.”

Need bite-sized boosts of encouragement and reminders? Take a look at the beautiful artistic and poetic book that is All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols If you want a deeper dive, check out The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown 

The World Needs Your Special Gifts and Passions.

What is your heart’s passion?

What excites you just thinking about it?

What dreams do you find yourself dreaming when feeling most rested and refreshed?  

May we humbly encourage you to follow your heart, believe in your dreams, and pursue them? If your dreams scare you, that’s okay! Rest in the fact that your unique qualities and skills paired with your passions will create JUST what this world needs. Don’t look at the obstacles, barriers, or what others might be doing. Trust in YOURSELF. As you shine in your strengths, so many will benefit from the work driven by your vision, passion, and skills.

If this resonates with you and you want more encouragement to let YOUR light shine, check out the book Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell, which will help you see, tap into, and shine your inner light!

Embrace the Fullness That Is Yourself, With No Apologies.

Take up space! Don’t shrink! 

Please yourself! Don’t try to please others! 

Be yourself! Don’t pretend to be someone other than yourself! 

You get to be you with no apologies! This applies, not only to your ideas, thoughts, and personality but also to your body! You get to inhabit your body without trying to shrink it or hide it! You deserve to move through this world feeling embodied, confident and empowered. 

We’ll be sharing more on this topic in posts to come. But for now, if this topic is one you want to explore, take a look at the book The Body is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor.  

Pause and Celebrate.

One of the best ways to feel empowered is to pause and celebrate yourself. This week, between holidays, provides an opportunity to reflect on how you rose above challenges, grew in certain areas, and remained true to yourself.  

This past year may have been full of challenges, hiccups, and unknowns. However, it has also likely been a year of reaching, growing, and leaning into intuition. Focusing on those areas of growth and victories, no matter how small, can help propel you forward and feel encouraged to live more confidently and fully yourself in the coming year!

We recommend the book After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle to help you see and celebrate all the goodness this world has to offer. 

You Are the Best Christmas Gift!

If you are looking for the best Christmas gift for yourself or others, look no further than the gift of being yourself! The more you lean into being and expressing the fullness of yourself, the more the world and the people around you benefit.  

We are here, celebrating with you, celebrating you, and excited to see your Show Your Spark this coming year!  

Thank you to all our Spark Alumni who granted us permission to use their portraits from their Spark Sessions for this blog post!