The Netflix premiere of Blonde see it here has reignited curiosity about the duality of Marilyn Monroe—Hollywood’s ultimate icon—and the woman behind the persona, Norma Jeane Baker. This compelling and dramatised portrayal of Monroe’s life sheds light on her meteoric rise to fame as a sex symbol and actress, capturing hearts around the world while the essence of Norma Jeane faded into the shadows.

As Marilyn basked in the adoration of millions, Norma Jeane grappled with an unshakable sense of invisibility. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of creating a persona that dazzles the world but leaves the authentic self unseen and unfulfilled.

This tension between persona and authenticity is something many of us can relate to, especially in today’s curated world of social media and image-conscious living. When we prioritise a polished façade over genuine connection, we risk losing touch with who we are at our core. But how do we reconcile these parts of ourselves—our outward persona and our inner truth?

The Cost of a Perfect Persona

Cultivating a persona can help us navigate the world. It’s the version of ourselves we present to gain acceptance, admiration, or protection. For Marilyn, her persona offered fame and validation, but at a steep cost to Norma Jeane’s sense of self-worth.

The key to avoiding this disconnect is balance. While our personas can serve as useful representatives, they must not overshadow our true selves. Genuine love and connection—whether with ourselves or others—require vulnerability, transparency, and intimacy. To show up fully in our relationships, we need to allow the messy, unpolished parts of ourselves to be seen.

Yet, this openness can be terrifying. The fear of rejection often tempts us to retreat into our personas. But there’s a safeguard: cultivating resilience. When we build resilience, we develop the emotional strength to recover from disappointments and navigate relationships with grace.

The Foundation of Self-Love

True resilience starts with self-love. To nurture our authentic selves, we must take time to connect with who we are beneath the surface. Journaling, self-reflection, and challenging limiting beliefs are powerful tools for beginning this journey.

Consider the belief, “I am not lovable.” This idea, rooted in early experiences of rejection or neglect, may have been something Norma Jeane internalised after being abandoned by her mother and later caregivers. But the truth is, our worthiness of love is not determined by others’ ability to give it. A caregiver’s inability to nurture or protect is a reflection of their own limitations, not the child’s value.

Norma Jeane was always lovable, and so are you. We are all born deserving of love, belonging, and connection. The challenge lies in unlearning the false narratives we’ve adopted along the way.

Taking Steps Towards Authenticity

If you’re ready to begin your journey towards self-discovery and self-love, start small:

•Journal regularly: Write about your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs without judgement. What themes or patterns emerge?

•Reflect on core beliefs: Identify the stories you tell yourself that may not serve you. Hold them up to the light and question their truth.

•Seek support: A trusted friend, mentor, or counsellor can help you navigate this journey and offer insights you may not see on your own.

Finding the Courage to Be Seen

Norma Jeane Baker’s story is both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. It reminds us of the importance of letting our true selves be seen, no matter how vulnerable that might feel. While personas may captivate, it’s our authenticity that creates lasting connection and fulfilment.

If you feel stuck behind a persona or struggle with beliefs that hold you back, you’re not alone. Reaching out for support can be the first step towards reclaiming your authentic self. Don’t hesitate to book a free consultation to begin your journey towards self-love and resilience.

About the Author

Rochelle is a British counsellor and international coach based in Suffolk, England. She is trauma-informed and passionate about guiding people on a self-love journey to rediscover their authentic selves. At the time of publication, Rochelle is a twice-published author of self-help and self-acceptance eBooks. Her writing has appeared in Refinery29, Therapy Today, and with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Dedicate time to your self-love journey today—Rochelle is here to help.

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