What price do you pay for Authenticity?

The price we pay for authenticity may seem high, but who among us can truly afford to continue living as a spendthrift of the self?
Sarah Ban Breathnach

I recently read this in a meditation book called Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. It was a book I purchased many years ago and I continue to read it over and over again. Its words of wisdom are timeless and I never tire of it. There is always some gemstone I glean each time I read a passage.

As I pondered these words, I asked myself the question, what price have I paid to be my authentic self? Mmmm… well.. here is a sampling of how I have paid to be true to myself

I dared to delve a whole lot of money into renovating my home after a house fire. In retrospect perhaps too much, but I love every minute I spend in my home and it is truly the warm and comfortable place in which my family and friends love to come to. I am still paying for that decision but it is one I will never regret!

I turned down a job after a year and a half of unemployment, nearly losing my home, because I knew I was meant to be a writer and the job would have required all my mental energy.

I have spent a lot of vacation time, many days with very little sleep and a whole lot of money birthing my novel into a published work. I am not quite there yet – but I will stay the course. I am meant to share my book with the world.

In the last year and a half, I have spent five days a week working out at a gym with a trainer. Yes, this is money I could probably have saved. However, my goal to be as healthy and fit as I possibly can be is more important to me. My goal was to go from a size 10 to a size 6 and I am happy to tell you that I have exceeded that target and I am now a strong, size 4! Although some days, I am sore and very tired – I stay the course because I know my health is worth it!

What are the prices you pay to be true to yourself?