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Hello and welcome back to the Find Yourself, Change Your Life Podcast blog! I’m Mary Clavieres, your host, and today I want to take a deep dive into something I’m incredibly passionate about – the transformative power of authentic self expression.

First, a quick update I can’t keep to myself: my book, Mind Body Connection Unlocked, is officially out in the world! If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s brimming with tools, activities, and reflection prompts designed to help you strengthen—or even rediscover—your mind-body connection. I poured my heart into it, and it ties so beautifully into what we’re exploring in today’s episode: how to step into a more authentic, self-expressed version of yourself.

Individuality and the Future of Authentic Self Expression

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the direction our society is heading. For so long, there’s been this pressure to fit in, follow prescribed paths, and mute what makes us unique. But what I am seeing now, and what I’m sure you’re noticing in your own life, is a shift. More people than ever are seeking out ways to connect to themselves and prioritize their individuality.

This change is being recognized in personal development communities, spiritual work, and even within Human Design, which points to a coming shift away from collective, “tribal” ways of doing things and toward a more individualized approach. Authentic self expression is at the heart of all this. People are waking up to the idea that what worked for everyone else—or what they were told was the right way—no longer serves them. Instead, they’re asking: how do I want my life to feel and look?

Recently, I conducted a Human Design reading for someone who perfectly captured this. She said, "I'm done dimming my light, I’m done quieting my voice, and it’s time for me to do things differently." You might resonate with that, too. For me, this is where authentic self expression comes alive. When you invest in yourself and commit time and energy to healing the hurts and quieting the fears that keep you small, you step ever closer to aligning with who you truly are.

Why Authentic Self Expression Benefits Us All

It’s so important to remember: nurturing your authentic self expression isn’t selfish. In fact, when you care for yourself—mind, body, and spirit—you become more attuned to who you are. As you become more aligned, you show up better for your relationships, your family, your teams at work, and, honestly, even strangers you meet. We’re all interconnected; the more we each embody our truest selves, the more healing happens, both for us and for the world.

Authentic self expression is a catalyst for this personal and collective healing. When you’re aligned, grounded, and understand how to process your emotions, everything in your life shifts. The way you parent, lead, and nurture relationships all changes. It’s all connected—even if the connections aren’t always obvious.

Returning to Your Authentic Self Expression

So, where do you start on your journey to authentic self expression? Sometimes it means experimenting, or getting curious about activities that spark joy, even if they seem impractical. Maybe there was something you loved years ago—dancing, painting, writing, singing, making silly videos—that you left behind because someone else, or even your own inner critic, told you it “wasn’t practical.”

We all have these stories. Every single one of us has paused or abandoned something that was meaningful simply because it didn’t make sense in the moment. But authentic self expression asks us to lean back into those very things. Even if you draw something and never show it to another soul, or if you dance alone in your living room, the act of creating and expressing strengthens your mind, your body, and your connection to self.

It’s not about the end result—it’s about what you access within yourself. Every time you allow yourself to express authentically, you reinforce your own well-being and, in turn, uplift everyone around you. Your authentic self expression is a powerful ripple through your life and our collective experience.

Key Highlights of Authentic Self Expression episode

Reflection Prompts: Unlocking Your Authentic Self Expression

As a starting point, I want to offer some reflection questions, adapted from my book, to help you deepen your mind-body connection and nurture your authentic self expression. These are invitations to journal about, talk through with a friend, or reflect on during a walk, drive, or even in the shower:

What is your relationship with self expression?

Do you find it challenging to express yourself?

What do you love to do, even—and especially—if there’s no tangible point or end goal to it?

Where in your day do you carve out time to do something that feels good just for you?

There’s no right answer—just exploration. Authentic self expression is about allowing yourself to be present with who you are and what you love, without judgment or expectation. Maybe you create art you keep to yourself, or maybe you boldly share your voice in new ways. You get to decide.

Reflection Prompts for Authentic Self Expression

The Power of Choosing Yourself and Your Authentic Self Expression

As we continue to transition into a more individualized world, keep in mind that prioritizing your authentic self expression is not just good for you, it’s essential for all of us. Imagine a world where more people are fulfilled, grounded, and acting from a place of self-love rather than self-doubt or comparison. That’s the world we are moving toward together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, or want more support on your journey to authentic self expression, I’d be honored if you checked out my new book, Mind Body Connection Unlocked. And if you’re curious about Human Design or want to explore one-on-one support, you’ll find all the details in the show notes.

Thank you for all your support, for being here, for sharing this work with friends and loved ones, and for your willingness to do the inner work that changes our world.

If these reflection prompts spark something for you, or if you have your own stories to share about authentic self expression, I’d truly love to hear from you.

Moving Forward with Your Own Authentic Self Expression

As we move into this more individualized era, remember: the more you prioritize your authentic self expression, the more you strengthen your mind-body connection and your own sense of self. And the more everyone else benefits, too. I hope these prompts inspire you to explore and express who you truly are, even if it’s just for you.

If you’d like to dive deeper into this journey, my book Mind-Body Connection Unlocked is now available.

Also, if this resonated with you, share it with a friend or someone else who could use a little encouragement on their creative path.

If you’d like to connect further about unlocking the next step in your personal development journey, please feel free to reach out. I'm on LinkedIn and Instagram. I'm also on Voxer at @MaryClavieres.

Special announcement:

I’m honored to announce that I’ve been invited to join my dear friend and mentor, Sarah Naia Soleil, as a support sister on her 9th annual journey to Egypt.

You’re invited to learn more and join us on this special journey to Egypt.

Mind-Body Connection Unlocked Book:

My new book, Mind Body Connection Unlocked, is now officially out in the world! Order your copy and dive into how mind and body alignment can support lasting change in your life. Special bonuses are available when you purchase before September 30th, 2025.

Get Your Copy of Mind Body-Connection Unlocked