Episode 36 -Embracing Your Authentic Self: Boundaries, Identity, Self-Acceptance & Personal Growth with Urmi Hossain

By Jessica Garrison

Layers are a massive part of each conversation we have on The FEEL Podcast, and our next guest from Podmatch, Urmi Hossain, hits the nail on the head perfectly. She describes herself with the three Ds: dynamic, determined, and disciplined. 

Each of our layers represents a lived experience, and they each come with a lesson. Urmi says that she has accepted herself from a cultural point of view, something that was quite difficult for her in the beginning. Hiding one of her identities to fit in, she could never be her true, authentic self. This serves as a great reminder that our layers are so personal to us, and people have battles they’re fighting that we have no idea about. Urmi has since been able to experience interactions to the fullest, not having to disguise herself based on who she’s with. 

Boundaries tie closely into this conversation, as do expectations. She used to think boundaries were selfish, but Urmi learned the hard way that boundaries are necessary no matter who you are. Knowing that she places them with good intention helps Urmi in the process, because she’s only trying to protect her peace and energy. Boundaries used to have such a negative connotation, but I feel like the narrative is switching. People are realizing what life is like when you don’t have any boundaries…and it isn’t fun. I’m glad Urmi has learned to stand up for and accept herself because she deserves it—just like we all do. 

While discussing living out FEEL, Urmi mentions the power of the tribe, which I couldn’t agree with more. I always try to talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. It was a huge part of my journey, and that’s the same for a lot of others, even if they might not have realized it yet. The people in my life negatively impacted my self-esteem, so each step I took towards accepting my layers, they’d drag me back there. If you don’t have the right people behind you while you’re on the path to accepting and embracing your layers, you’ll never reach your goal. They could be in your life for a reason or for a season, so if you feel the relationship no longer serves you, there’s no shame in ending it. Be with people who lift you up, support you, and want to see you succeed. In this kind of positive atmosphere, it’s much easier to grow, and you can grow together. 

The topic of intersectionality and layers is a beautiful thing, and our differences only make us stronger. Each experience and uniqueness makes us who we are, and it’s what makes life worth living. Live life to the fullest as your most healthy, authentic, beautiful self. It’s the least you can do for yourself. 

Ways to Engage: Start asking: Name the different layers of yourself, starting small with what you look like on the outside. Now, what’s your personality like? Your job? Your hobbies? Keep listing the layers and explore deeper. Be patient, be kind, and be curious.