Hi you

What is an authentic code?

I’ve done a workshop with To Be Magnetic and determined mine. In fact, I’ve modified and upgraded my code a few times already. The concept is simple, yet powerful; carving out what elements our most authentic selves consist of. The code can help to unravel our purpose and stick to our desired paths. Whenever needed, the code can be updated and revisited. For me the authentic code comes in handy whenever I stand in front of a decision; what to do, how to act, which way to go?

The authentic code works only in our favour as a compass, if we’re being brutally honest with ourselves when outlining it. The TBM journal prompts and deep imaginations where we contact our most authentic, highest version are very helpful here. I think the code assists me most when I feel lost or when I’m in need of support and guidance, but it does steer me also in everyday life situations. It helps to figure out what is important to me at the moment, what direction I want to shift towards and what to spend my time, money and energy on.

My authentic code is:

• Shine
• Honesty
• Creativity
• Luxury

In a nutshell, this is how I would explain what these words mean to me:

Shine • I don’t want to shy away from putting myself out there and shining as bright as I want. By embodying my truest purpose of being wildly me, and filling my life with activities, responsibilities and people that bring me joy, my internal light shines brighter than ever. I’m not looking to play small and engaging in anything that doesn’t resonate with me, only to please others. I’m also done with playing it too safe – bring out the expensive china is my motto for the summer, as we agreed with my friend Tomi the other day! Falling on our faces and getting hurt offer the biggest learning opportunities, as I’ve come to notice.

Honesty • This is a hard one for me, but possibly the most important cornerstone of them all. In order to avoid conflict and displeasing others, I have learned to tone things down and go with a modification of the truth on different levels all around. This is not part of my journey any longer, and definitely not part of the authentic me. I’ve recently been pushed to work hard on my boundaries, and honesty is essential there. Boundary work is extremely uncomfortable and difficult most of the time, but hey, when faced with a decision, I have committed to look back at my code and at the end of the day, setting boundaries based on my honest needs and desires has always paid off. When standing before the decision whether to disappoint someone or feel resentment, always stay true to yourself and disappoint. 

A brilliant book on boundaries I’m currently reading by Nedra Glover Tawwab. Terri Cole (whose podcast “The Terri Cole show” I warmly recommend) also has a new book on boundaries called “Boundary Boss” - I haven’t read it yet. A great way to reinforce the authentic code is having it visible somewhere you would constantly see it - thanks Tomi love for the phone wallpaper suggestion! Why not craft a poster of your code and hang it on your mirror, the fridge or your car? Lastly, my beautiful new plant

Creativity • It plays a big part in my life as also explained to me multiple times in my astrological chart. You can get creative anywhere and anytime and I’ve found new dimensions here with the breathwork facilitator course that I’m currently participating in. Creativity to me can be writing, designing Instagram posts, prepping for my breathwork sessions, taking pictures, cooking something new or planning my outfits. Creative time often is me-time and plays a key part in nourishing my soul. My corporate part time job in the People Practices world includes several creative aspects too; problem solving, communication and visual work at times. Creativity is freedom, re-thinking rules and systems and bringing in fresh perspective.

Luxury • Living a privileged life and having the bandwidth and possibility to think outside of the scope of survival, luxury comes in for me. In my case luxury means offering myself and those around me the very best. It embodies self-care in terms of the basics – enough sleep for the sleepy head, healthy meals and exercise – breathwork and meditation, spending time in nature and alone, quality time with friends and family and all the things that I enjoy and love. It means quality over quantity and treating myself and those I care for; intentional spending and generosity. Luxury is learning to give, but also to receive with open arms. 

I always pay extra for the luggage when traveling by air, just to save me from having to fight for space in the overhead locker and sweating in the aisle trying to cram my belongings up there. To me luxury is spending a big chunk of my savings on a year off, or deciding on a no-gift Christmas, but donating to charity instead. During my sabbatical in Italy, I never went for the cheapest Air B n B shared apartment-style housing just to save money. I intentionally spent more on providing myself the space where I felt safe and comfortable and cut back in other areas instead. This is luxury to me. These were all situations where I let my authentic code guide me in my decision-making, distributing or re-distributing available resources. Totally worth it and contributing to my wellbeing!

What is your authentic code?

Life as a dog and cat sitter and beautiful spring vibes in Helsinki

Much love!

Bacio 💋 Cass