Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity is one of my favorite songs because it’s such an anthem for authenticity. It makes my heart sing. I particularly love this version, by a young girl auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent. She is such a joy to watch as she shares her gift with the world. That’s what I want to be and what I am here to inspire in others. 

I’d like to share some of the lyrics and explain what they mean to me.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!

I’ve always been unconventional. Questioning norms. Feeling like I didn’t fit in, like I was meant for something different, something greater. I was a people pleaser, though, obedient, never wanting to rock the boat. Staying small. I wanted so badly to fit in that I compromised who I actually was and how I felt deep down at times. I craved acceptance and belonging. So, I played by the rules of society.  

The thing is, it wasn’t working. I couldn’t take it anymore. I started feeling like a hypocrite. I felt shame for hiding my true self. Sure, I “fit in.” But, to what? To a life where on the outside it looked like I fit, but on the inside I was screaming that this wasn’t an authentic life. I needed to take the leap and start living outwardly how I felt inwardly. I needed to start showing people who I was inside. 

I’m through accepting limits
‘Cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But ’til I try, I’ll never know!
Too long I’ve been afraid of
Losing love I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost!

I started listening to myself. I started doing what I felt was right for me, not what other people wanted me to do. I started being myself, not who other people wanted me to be. I couldn’t live my life in fear of what other people might think or afraid I wouldn’t be loved for who I was in truth. That’s not a life I was willing to live.    

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately
“Everyone deserves the chance to fly!”
And if I’m flying solo
At least I’m flying free
To those who ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am defying gravity!
I’m flying high, defying gravity!

It’s hard sticking to your principles and potentially standing alone. I’ve felt so lonely at times, afraid I would be alone forever if I spoke my truth. The thing is, since I’ve started sharing my truth, I have gained so much self-respect, self-confidence, and self-esteem; and I’ve started finding people along the way who are standing in their truth too. It’s these people I feel I can completely be myself around, and I am thankful. 

Standing in your truth takes strength and bravery, and I am proud of myself for leaping. I am free.