Radiating authenticity

Have you been admiring just how spectacular the moon has been this week? I’ve been feeling a bit on the dark side, but the magnificent fullness radiating the luminous luster of this Capricorn moon serves as my motivational muse for this week’s column.

I have a lot of love for the moon. I celebrate her cycles with rituals and meditations and often howl unapologetically toward her powerful glow, but I wasn’t always so authentically inspired. I began to embrace her tidal forces after engaging with fellow women in The Rent Tent Society many years ago. I’d read Diamant’s brilliant work with my book club while in graduate school at UT, so when my former midwife invited me to join other women under “The Red Tent” for a moon ritual and steaming, I was eager to engage with this throng of sisters and experience their divine feminine energy.

It was the first time my aura was cleansed with sage, and everything else was also a complete initiation into the cosmic world of focused intentions and surrenderings.

I absolutely loved it. I started to explore online to seek out guidance for engaging with new moons, full moons, solstices, eclipses and all the intuitive astrology I could connect with. There was a particular ritual that stuck with me, and I printed it and taped it to my shower door so that I could repeat the mantra with my bold, loud and unabashed shower voice: “I am a magnetic being. All that is meant for me will find its way to me. I radiate the spark of my true authentic self. I am lifting my vibration and attracting all that brings me joy, love, peace, and prosperity.”

Give it a try. Say it out loud, maybe while standing in a giant power pose, then say it again louder. It feels good right?

After a while, I really started to believe these proclamations, and they became fact: I AM a magnetic being.

I DO radiate the spark of my true authentic self.

I am, indeed, authentic AF.

Authenticity starts from within. It's about listening to that little voice inside you — the voice that knows your dreams, desires, and values. When you align your actions with your inner truth, you’ll find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends any external validation.

When you believe in your abilities, have faith in your decisions, and let your inner (and outer) voice guide you, your authentic self will resonate and radiate to the moon and back!

Surrounding ourselves with people who appreciate and celebrate us for who we truly are, allows us to shine and encourages us to be the best version of ourselves. By embracing our true selves and owning who we are, we not only invite joy and fulfillment into our lives but also inspire others to do the same.

So, let go of self-doubt, embrace your uniqueness and trust that the world needs your genuine presence — unapologetically and authentically. Go ahead and howl at the moon, too. It feels oh so good to allow yourself to be you.

Xoxo,

Kelly Stone is an educator, comedian, mother and author who loves the heck outta the river. She accepts e-notes at kellystone. org and the kind with neat folds passed discreetly through the classroom.