How I’m learning to live authentically as myself

For most of my life, I felt like I had to shrink parts of myself to fit into a world that wasn’t built with me in mind. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) means navigating not just physical barriers, but also the emotional weight of constantly feeling different. I used to hide the parts of me that felt like too much or not enough: my needs, quirks, dreams, and even my voice.

I’ve been intentionally and unapologetically working on becoming the person I was always meant to be — no longer hiding the parts of myself that might make others uncomfortable or cause me to stand out. Through counseling, I’ve learned how to voice my emotions, speak up for myself in the face of injustice, and embrace who I am, flaws and all. It’s been a journey of unlearning the idea that I have to shrink myself to belong, and instead, stepping into a life where authenticity feels like my greatest strength.

Counseling gives me the tools to reclaim my story and reconnect with the parts of myself I once hid away. I thought the goal would be to fix what’s “wrong,” but it’s about embracing everything that makes me who I am. In that space, I can lay down the armor I carried for so long and be human — messy, emotional, complicated, and still worthy.

Recommended Reading

October 10, 2024 Columns by Jasmine Ramos

When the disabled needed a place to connect, I created one

Each session helps me learn that my emotions are valid, my voice is powerful, and my needs should matter to others. I’ve realized it’s OK to speak up, take up space, and feel deeply without apology. Counseling isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about coming home to myself, flaws and all. It’s starting to change how I see myself and move through the world — bold, sensitive, and more at peace with who I am.

As I’m starting to show up more authentically, I notice everything around me is beginning to shift, too. My relationships have either deepened or faded away. New friendships and opportunities have found their way into my life, not because I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t, but because I was finally allowing the real me to take up space.

Living authentically hasn’t made life perfect; it’s made it real. Some days, it feels vulnerable. Some days, it feels unbelievably freeing. But every day, it feels more honest, more rooted in who I truly am rather than who I thought I had to be. Embracing my whole self — my body, voice, dreams, and scars — has been the most courageous and rewarding act of love I could have ever offered myself.

Reminders when standing in your truth

If you’re still learning to show up fully as yourself, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It takes courage to be real in a world that often asks us to hide what makes us who we are. It isn’t easy to stand tall in your truth, honor your emotions, and take up space without apology, but it’s worth it.

You are not too much. You are not too little. You are exactly enough, exactly as you are.

Your dreams, voice, quirks, and needs are all sacred parts of you.

The world doesn’t need a quieter, smaller, more “acceptable” version of you.

The world needs you — fully alive, fully honest, fully seen.

Every time you choose to be real, you choose freedom.

Every time you speak your truth, you choose healing.

Every time you embrace your whole self, you choose love.

The courage to be you is already inside of you. Let it rise. Let it shine. Let it lead you home.

Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.