The Importance of Authenticity

Apologies for losing track of time this past week and sadly not blogging! But I'm here now and I'm glad you are too. Hello! It's okay, I missed you too.

Authenticity has recently had a huge impact on me and my perspective on how to be my true self in all areas of my life. It sounds so simple, but can be quite complex.

We often don't realize we aren't being authentic to our own compass because we've been conditioned to believe certain skills and behaviors are necessities for success in life, career, relationships, health, love, etc. In reality, authenticity, if summarized, is being so certain of who you are and unapologetically yourself in a respectful manner that you are actually energetically drawing in your deepest passions naturally....because most likely, since you are acting as your highest self, you are also in one way or another in alignment. You taste abundance regularly when you are in this state of mind. The feeling is quite euphoric. This week I was sitting down with a new connection and something he said resonated with me: Authenticity establishes credibility.

Of course, now I think I know what you're thinking. You're wondering how does one get to that state of mind and pursuit? There isn't a formula or a black and white answer. I do know that it took failure after failure, and it certainly wasn't a direct, easy path. I imagine it feels more natural and easy to some, which can also be dependent not just on personality, but life experiences that have quieted your voice. I was knocking at a lot of the "wrong" doors before now. And I've really only just walked through the doorway of my own authentic self, so I'm also not going to pretend to be an expert.

I do know that wasting time pretending to be someone or something that doesn't serve you or give you energy is an incredibly unhappy place to be. If a job is holding you back, I understand you can't just quit tomorrow. Or if it's a relationship, I'm not going to tell you to break up tomorrow. In the same breath, do you want your legacy to be defined and controlled by someone else's beliefs of you? Do you want someone/something else holding you back from being exactly who you always wanted to be? What's stopping you from making a change today instead of tomorrow?

Progress also takes time. Be kind to yourself.

What's something small you could change about your routine, one day at a time that will lead to progress towards being more authentic and true to yourself, your "why", and your desires? Could you make a list of 5 self-affirmations you speak out loud every morning? Meditate and journal for 15 minutes every evening with a cup of hot tea? Pause for 5 minutes and list 5 things you are grateful for? Take a bath once a week with a face mask on? Write down what you love most about yourself? Or what your passionate about? What makes you feel the most aligned with your best self? What is going to get one foot in front of the other to get the results you want? WRITE IT DOWN. Whatever it is. Writing things down not only helps engrain it in your mind, but it can quickly become your accountability buddy. You wrote it down. You set the goal. Writing it down will make that statement and goal real.

When we are intentional with our lifestyles and routines, even when life gets out of balance we are able to level out more easily because we have a solid foundation of our happiness. Those items of gratitude, goals, and affirmations are no one else's. They are your own.

Happiness isn't a destination. It comes and goes and doesn't tend to last. Get real with yourself. No one else is your compass. Only you have that power, so own it. No one else is you. No one else has your unique skill set and life experiences. How cool is that?

Here are a some of my personal favorite self-affirmations and mantras:

I am successful and capable.

I am worthy of love.

I love me.

I trust God and the process.

I make decisions and persevere.

I improve thanks to failure and pain.

I trust myself.

I am strong.

This too shall pass.

I become what I focus on.

I am growing.

Get uncomfortable.

Be uncomfortable with uncertainty.

Suffering is a choice.

Pain teaches and refines me.

Be. A. Force.

#authenticity #introvertuncensored #thoughtfulthursday #foodforthought #beyourself #beyou #nobodyelsewill #socialintelligence #emotionalintelligence #isei #certifiedcoach