A couple of years ago, I embarked on a spiritual awakening—a journey that would transform my life in ways I never anticipated. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that if you resist change, the universe, God, or a higher power will find a way to force it upon you. There’s no running away anymore, except inward.

When you resist the necessary changes in your life, the universe has a way of stripping everything and sometimes everyone away from you, leaving you no choice but to confront yourself. You are forced to sit squarely with your emotions, to face your deepest fears and pains, and to stop seeking escape in people, work, travel or distractions. This is where the journey toward authenticity truly begins.

Authenticity starts when you have the courage to sit down with your most painful emotions and stop running away. It’s in these moments of raw, unfiltered vulnerability that you begin to peel away the layers of falsehoods and pretenses, revealing your true self underneath.

The journey to authenticity is grounded in self-compassion. Without compassion for yourself, it’s impossible to cultivate genuine love and respect for who you are. Yet, we live in a world filled with people who lack compassion and are often insensitive. This isn’t surprising, considering many of us never experienced compassion growing up, and therefore struggle to extend it to ourselves, let alone to others.

The path to self-compassion is not easy. It’s painful, messy, and far from glamorous. Sitting in the void, dealing with the tumultuous mix of present emotions and past traumas, feels like a crucifixion of the soul. It breaks you down in ways that are horrendous and uncomfortable, but it’s a commitment you must make to yourself.

This journey is not something you can easily undertake alone, but you’re never truly alone. God is with you, guiding you, wanting you to be real, authentic, and willing to face your brokenness. It’s a ride meant for the courageous, not the faint-hearted.

As chaotic and overwhelming as this process can be, I’ve come to realize that it’s a blessing in disguise. It’s through this crucible of pain and self-reflection that we find our true selves. Authenticity isn’t something that’s handed to you—it’s something you earn, through grit, tears, and unwavering self-compassion.