Can I be honest? I’m dead tired. Like running off six hours of sleep, working a full day at work with dishes to clean at home, wishing the neighbors would talk loud inside their house tired.  I had to suck down a cup of Yerba Mate Peppermint Green Tea, the black coffee of teas, to fight my impending lupus fatigue. And today’s post topic? Meh, lol.

Nevertheless, today’s BlogHer topic : When or where do you feel most like yourself?
When I think about the times I’m in my happy place I feel connected and understood. I don’t have to explain anything and there’s an unexplainable flow of energy that’s taking place. That’s when I can be my authentic self without my guard up. When I really think about there are three ways to get to “Authentic Gabby”.

step in the name of love
I’m an introvert at heart, but I think most people would disagree because I’m welcoming. However, I do have an extrovert streak, usually sparked by good music and a dance floor.  The only time I’m in the zone with a lot of people around is when good music and a dance floor are involved. I’m an electric slidin’, wobblin’, cupid shuffle, “step in the name of love” fool. I sweat out presses. My poor husband is dragged on the floor every time a jam comes on. Ev-e-ry. time. Bless his heart.

heart to heart
I love having intimate conversations with people who know me well and actually invest the time to care and ask questions. It seems a lot of people, myself included, are stuck on this 5-Hour Energy hamster wheel. So I appreciate talking with someone who knows me –without explanation and is willing to take time out. I had a great conversation with my best friend in Texas the other night. We hadn’t spoken in a while, but there was no need for formaility. We got to the heart of the matter. I didn’t need to translate what I was feeling. The conversation was effortless. I love that time with my husband and friends, which is why I’m disappointed when it’s over. It doesn’t happen enough because of life’s responsibilities and I always seem to need more.

me, myself and I
These days there aren’t many dance floors and friends and responsibilities don’t allow for a whole lot of intimate conversations, so I’ve really been spending a lot of time with myself – in my own thoughts. This is very new to me. I used to hate it. I was raised to be performance-driven and sitting alone with my thoughts seemed like a waste of time when I could be getting a jump on this or that “project.” But I’ve come to treasure this time – especially with God when he leads me to an epiphany or revelation. These are the moments that truly make my heart sing. I’m both connected and understood by the Source who gives me life. So usually when I don’t have the time by myself, either alone or with God, it shows.

 Here’s to finding your authentic self — and helping others find it too.