The Cambridge Dictionary says the meaning of authenticity is ‘the quality of being real or true’. Did you know that the original word ‘authentic’ originated from two Greek words ‘autos‘and ‘hentes’; ‘autos’ means self and ‘hentes’ means ‘doer, being’, put together these make up the Greek word authentes which means ‘one acting on one’s own authority. ‘Authentes’ developed into the Greek word ‘Authentikos which means ‘original, genuine, principal’. The medieval Latin word ‘authenticus’ came from Authentikos; then we get the French word ‘autentique’ and today we have the word as we know it ‘AUTHENTIC’.
I loved what I found because I believe that to be authentic is about having the courage to live from your original, real and principal self, being able to take action on your own authority, including your original ideas, your original healthy thoughts and opinions and creating your deepest hearts desires, despite what your circumstances might look like or the external distractions.
For me personally, my faith in God plays a huge part of me living my authentic life. I trust God and I believe that my original, genuine, principal self was created by God. I’ve matured in the differentiating between my thoughts and God’s whispers and over time I have come to a place to know when it’s his whisper and not mine.
I think that living your best life, is living your authentic life. I believe it’s identifying what your core values are and living in alignment with them each day. I say identifying what ‘your’ core values are because some of us may still be living in alignment with the values which were projected on us during our childhood, it’s important to become aware of what those values are so that we can filter out the values that no longer serve us and make a conscious decision about the values that do. When we are aware of this we are able to make genuine decisions and take action in alignment with what is important to us.
Living authentically is about being true to yourself, embracing your values, and aligning your actions with your beliefs, core values and desires. Here are 10 steps you can take to live authentically:
1 - Self Reflection - Take time to understand yourself better. Reflect on your values, interests, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Explore what truly matters to you and what brings you joy and fulfilment.
2 - Embrace Self-Acceptance: Accept and embrace who you are, including your flaws and imperfections. Embracing yourself unconditionally allows you to let go of the need for approval or validation from others and be more authentic in your actions.
"Be your authentic self. Your authentic self is who you are when you have no fear of judgment, or before the world starts pushing you around and telling you who you're supposed to be. Your fictional self is who you are when you have a social mask on to please everyone else. Give yourself permission to be your authentic self." - Dr. Phil
3 - Identify Your Values: Define your core values. These are the principles and beliefs that guide your behaviour and decisions. Living in alignment with your values helps you lead an authentic life. Identify what truly matters to you and make choices that reflect those values.
4 - Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries in your relationships and interactions. Learn to say no when something doesn't align with your values or doesn't serve your well-being. Setting boundaries protects your authenticity and ensures you don't compromise your values for the sake of others.
5 - Practice Self-Expression: Find ways to express yourself genuinely. This could involve pursuing creative outlets, sharing your thoughts and opinions honestly, or engaging in activities that resonate with your true self. Allow yourself to be seen and heard without fear of judgment.
6 - Seek Authentic Connections: Surround yourself with people who accept and appreciate you for who you are. Cultivate relationships that encourage authenticity and support your personal growth. Authentic connections provide a safe space to be yourself without pretences.
7 - Live Mindfully: Practice mindfulness to cultivate self-awareness and be present in the moment. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Mindfulness helps you align your actions with your authentic self and make conscious choices.
8 - Take Risks: Embrace challenges and step out of your comfort zone. Living authentically sometimes requires taking risks and pursuing new experiences. Be open to growth and change, even if it means facing uncertainty or discomfort.
9 - Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your authentic self. This could include exercise, healthy eating, rest, relaxation, hobbies, and spending time in nature.
10 - Embrace Growth: Living authentically is a lifelong journey. Embrace personal growth and continuous self-discovery. Be open to learning, evolving, and adapting as you gain new insights and perspectives.
Remember that living authentically is unique to each individual. It's about discovering and embracing your own truth, rather than conforming to societal expectations or the expectations of others. Stay true to yourself, be kind to yourself, and allow your authentic self to shine through in every aspect of your life.
Which one of the tips above speaks to you the most? What will you do to live even more authentically?
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