In a world full of expectations and external pressure, finding your authentic self has never been more crucial and difficult.
The journey to lasting happiness begins with being true to yourself and embracing the essence of who you are. Authentic being isn’t about conforming to what others want or asking their permission; it’s about emerging as your authentic self and living a life that aligns with your values, desires, needs, wants, and passions.
By finding your true self, you’ll unlock a deep sense of contentment and inner peace.
There is a transformative power in self-discovery, and becoming your authentic self can pave the way to a fulfilling and joyful life.
Unmasking the Real You
We all have a version of ourselves that is our real self. I always say it’s that person we are when we have the house to ourselves or we are in the shower. There is this space in you that no one knows anything about, and that is the real you—the authentic self. There may be things in there that you may not like or may not feel safe to present, but you must honor who you truly are.
How do you pull off the mask?
Discovering the Core of Who You Are
Finding and becoming your true and authentic self starts with self-reflection. Take time to understand your values, beliefs, and passions. Its okay to be vulnerable and open in these moments—you’re the only person who is ever going to read this stuff!
Grab a journal (any notebook or paper will do), put on some meditation music, and take a walk around your mind. Get a pen and paper and simply let the words flow as a stream of consciousness so you can uncover what truly matters to you.
Don’t forget to put your notebook away where no one can accidentally thumb through it!
Letting Go of External Validation
To embrace your authentic self, stop seeking approval from others. Easier said than done, right? We are conditioned to not trust our own inner authority and instead, turn it over to external forces.
What if I told you that this is wholly energetically incorrect? In fact, what if there was a system that taught you to take back your power and discover your own inner authority so you don’t turn it externally anymore and that could teach you to focus on what brings you happiness and fulfillment rather than trying to meet external expectations?
Authenticity flourishes when you prioritize inner satisfaction over societal norms and external validation, and a system like human design can help you uncover and step into the fullness of your authentic self.
A great beginners book by Jenna Zoe for the Human Design system will reveal how to be the real you – the most individual you can be!
Embracing Vulnerability
Being authentic means allowing yourself to be vulnerable. But let’s face it: vulnerability is hard and uncomfortable, and quite frankly sucks. You need a safe space to be vulnerable, and that first place is in a journal. Second, try your hand at therapy—even if you’re therapy averse or have had some bad experiences with questionable therapists, give it another shot. The results may shock you.
Share your fears, dreams, and true feelings without fear of judgment. Vulnerability breeds connections and strengthens your sense of self.
The Power of Authentic Being
The greatest power play you have in your arsenal is standing up and being who you truly are. But who you truly are can be muddied by years of expectations, traditions, conditioning, and not feeling like its safe to be who you are or want the things you want.
What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?
Living as an authentic being means aligning your actions and choices with your values and beliefs. It’s about consistency between your inner self and outward behavior. I hate to harp on it again, but human design is a great tool for this. In fact, it was one of the single most transformational tools in helping me live as my authentic self.
I’ll warn you that the system can be overwhelming at first because there’s so much to take in, but start with the beginner basics. You’ll be surprised where you end up.
Breaking Free from Masks
We often wear masks to fit in or avoid criticism. Think about how different you are because you’re wearing the professional mask at work. Or the friend mask around your buddies? Your family mask at family gatherings; the list can go on and on.
Shedding these facades allows your authentic self to shine. When you drop the act, you open the door to genuine relationships and experiences.
It Gets Better!
Living authentically builds confidence and resilience. When you are true to yourself, you’re better equipped to handle challenges because you’re grounded in who you are.
Embracing Your Truth: The Art of Being True to Yourself
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Being true to yourself involves trusting your instincts and intuition. Your inner voice often knows what’s best for you, even when external influences try to sway you. Pay attention to what feels right for you—human design will help.
Setting Boundaries
Authenticity requires setting boundaries that protect your values and well-being. Learn to say no to people or situations that compromise your integrity or happiness.
Celebrating Your Uniqueness
No one else has your unique combination of talents, experiences, and perspectives. Embrace what makes you different and use it as a source of strength and inspiration.
Conclusion
Finding your authentic self is a transformative journey that leads to lasting happiness.
By being true to yourself, embracing your authentic being, and aligning your actions with your values, you create a life filled with joy and purpose. The path to authenticity isn’t always easy, but it’s worth every step—I speak from personal experience. The path isn’t straight, and you’re going to get it wrong. But you’re also going to get it right a lot of the time.
When you live as your true self, you unlock the power to thrive and inspire others to do the same.
Start today by taking small steps towards self-discovery and watch how your life blossoms into one of fulfillment and genuine happiness.