Authentic living has kind of become a buzzword for everyone marketing to individuals everywhere, but particularly in America. It’s meant to be the “it” way to live. But what does it truly mean to be authentic or to live authentically? There’s so much to it, but essentially, it’s about not conforming to external expectations or imitating others. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. To embark on this journey, you must first understand the concept of authenticity. Read on to understand more about the tenets of authentic living so you can start on this journey as well.
Reflect on Your Values
The first step in living authentically is to identify and reflect on your core values. What principles guide your decisions and actions? Take time to ponder over the values that resonate with you at a deep level. Are you driven by integrity, compassion, creativity, or a sense of justice? By understanding your values, you can make choices that are in harmony with your authentic self. You can use journaling to get at your true self or therapy. There are also tools available on the market that you can use to discover your essential core, like the MBTI personality test or Projector Human Design. Use all of these along with the other tips mentioned below because you don’t want to rely too much on one source of information when it comes to the complex you.
Embrace Imperfection
No one is perfect, and embracing your imperfections is a crucial aspect of authenticity. Recognize that flaws and mistakes are part of the human experience. Instead of hiding behind a facade of perfection, celebrate your uniqueness. It is through imperfections that true authenticity shines, allowing you to connect with others on a more genuine level. This will also allow you to be vulnerable with others and that builds the strong relationships and friendships that everyone desires.
Cultivate Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of authentic living. Regularly engage in self-reflection to understand your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This introspective practice enables you to recognize patterns of behavior that may be incongruent with your true self. Through self-awareness, you can make conscious choices aligned with your values and aspirations. One of the best ways to spend more time with yourself is to sit in silence. It doesn’t even need to be in a meditative mode. You can merely go out into nature, into a forest, or next to the ocean without any digital devices or distractions, and sit with yourself. Pay attention to what comes up and ponder deeply about the more important questions in life, like, “What are you here for?” And “Why does life matter?”
Exploring Your Unique Self
Once you have a foundational understanding of authenticity, it’s time to explore and celebrate your unique self. This involves delving into various aspects of your personality, interests, and experiences.
Uncover Your Passions
What activities make your heart race with excitement? What pursuits make you lose track of time? Your passions are windows into your authentic self. Whether it’s art, science, writing, or sports, identifying and nurturing your passions can lead to a more fulfilling life. Do not be ashamed of your passions, whatever they might be. If you like comic books, then that’s fine. Or if you love to play with Lego blocks as an adult, that’s alright as well. Embracing your passions will also allow you to practice self-care by doing what you love in your free time, rather than doing what others want you to do.
Embrace Your Talents
Everyone possesses unique talents and skills, even if you think that you don’t. Identify your strengths and embrace them. They can be small or big things. Whether you excel in communication, problem-solving, or artistic expression, your talents are an integral part of your unique self. Use them to contribute positively to the world around you.
Face Your Fears
Authentic living often requires facing fears and stepping out of your comfort zone. What fears are holding you back from expressing your true self? Whether it’s fear of judgment, failure, or rejection, confronting these fears is a transformative step towards authenticity. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, then join Toastmasters International, and start facing your fear every week. You will soon be over it and giving speeches in front of others like it’s no big deal.
Building Authentic Connections
Living authentically also involves cultivating meaningful connections with others. Authentic relationships are built on genuine communication, mutual respect, and shared values. Start by listening to others deeply. Don’t be on your phone when around loved ones or friends. Have conversations with your friends and family and ask them some deep questions. Truly listen to their answers and deepen your connection that way.
Communicate Openly
Authentic connections thrive on open and honest communication. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others, and encourage them to do the same. Authenticity flourishes in an environment where individuals feel free to express themselves without judgment.
Surround Yourself With Positivity
Evaluate the relationships in your life. Are they uplifting and supportive? Surround yourself with people who celebrate your uniqueness and encourage your authentic expression. Positive relationships nourish your authentic self and provide a foundation for personal growth. This doesn’t mean that you ignore any negative feelings that come up. That would be akin to spiritual bypassing and is a big no-no. Whatever comes up, be it positive or negative, should be put under the light and studied. But if you find that you are spending way too much time around people who are soul-sucking energy vampires, then you need to rethink those relationships.
Authentic Living Starts With the Essential You
There’s no need to go to a different country or start meditating for ten hours a day to discover the real you. Authentic living starts by spending time with yourself in a non-distracted fashion. It’s as simple as that. If you liked the article and would like more, then browse through our blog. We are constantly updating our website with new topics.
