: Keeping parts of yourself hidden out of fear or shame can create "identity holes". Choosing to be honest, even when it’s scary, is the first step toward healing.

: Authenticity requires unlearning the behaviors we adopted to please people. When you choose your true self over people-pleasing, you transform your life.

Many of us live behind "adaptive selves"—versions of ourselves we created to fit in, stay safe, or meet others' expectations.