What’s Your Personal Credo?
It’s said that, “If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything”. To me, it’s absolutely imperative to cultivate a set of beliefs, values, and ideals that resonate deeply in your gut, heart, and mind. Because your personal credo is where authenticity begins, integrity lives, and a fulfilling life is possible.
Developing my own personal credo didn’t really begin until age 23 because I grew up in a religious household where my beliefs, values, and ideals were basically dictated to me. And, believe me, they weren’t to be questioned. As a result, I “fell” for someone else’s truth. And even though I tried really, really hard to make their truth my own, I eventually felt like an imposter. My life felt so disingenuous that the only solution was to lose my religion, runaway to the big City of Dreams where I could figure out who I really was, and to experience that cherished idea of pure possibility.
But the process of “becoming” myself was as confusing and painful as it was exhilarating and rewarding. It required a lot of questioning and listening to my inner-voice instead of the cacophony of external voices that used to drown out my own intuition and wisdom. And over the years I’ve realized that “becoming” is an ongoing process. Life changes, challenges, and losses constantly alter your perspectives and force you to reevaluate everything. But your personal credo is your anchor through these transitions.
In hindsight, I feel eternally grateful for that little spark inside of myself at 23 years old that knew I deserved to live my truth versus someone else’s. It’s both grounding and liberating to stand in that truth while carving my own life path based upon my own personal credo. I know who I am, what I believe in, and want I want to feel, experience, and contribute within my lifetime.
#soakedinthought:
As a journaling exercise, describe your personal credo. Who are you, what do you believe in, what are the values that shape your character and life choices?
soak™ yourself… in integrity
- 4d Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens
- 6d Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
- 2d Lemon, Citrus limon
- 1oz Jojoba Wax
- 1oz Amber Glass Bottle
While Cypress EO isn’t one of my top aromatic picks, this massage oil blend feels good for centering and self-self expression. In fact I’ve enjoyed massaging it into my stomach and throat and inhaling the balance of woody, herbaceous, & citrusy aromas.
Blend Inspiration
Life often confronts us with choices or circumstances that challenge our ability to maintain integrity to our authentic selves – to our personal credo. So when I started thinking of an emotionally supportive blend for this month’s writing ritual, the first things that came to mind were the benefits of essential oils distilled from wood and leaves (Cypress EO).
In the literal sense, wood conducts water and nutrients to the leaves, stems, and flowers of the tree; allowing them to flourish. Leaves allow the plant to breathe, they protect it from dehydration, and support the process of photosynthesis. Cypress EO, distilled from the twigs, cones, and leaves of the Cupressus sempervirens tree helps to deliver strength and courage during times of trauma or transition. And it helps us to breathe while metabolizing our greatest challenges into positive growth.
Flowers (Lavender EO) are always great for emotional support. Lavender, in particular helps to calm the Central Nervous System and ease anxiety. Fruit (Lemon EO) is refreshing! And, full of water, it promotes clarity and pure possibility.
Please let me know what you think of this blend or what your g0-to EOs are for authenticity and integrity!
