How and Why to Live More Authentically: Getting Connected to You

How and Why to Live More Authentically

Getting Connected to You

Let’s talk about your personal authenticity. Before we begin this exploration of self, the question on a lots of people’s minds is “What is authentic?” Well according to dictonary.com, authenticity is the quality of being authentic; genuineness. It seems authenticity happens when you are living in alignment with your core values, living by mostly your rules, accepting and sharing the parts of you that are impossible to change and take more energy to deny then to display. So what does it take for you to be your genuine self and why is it so important to reach this aspirational goal? Let’s get into it.

Being authentic or genuine does not mean to be perfect. Perfection is….unattainable and a bit self-defeating. Besides, what is perfect anyway? I see perfection as the perception of other’s ideas of how one should look, feel, operate or be.  Living authentically is possible, not easy, but worth the journey.

Know thyself

You are already being genuine effortlessly when you allow your guard to be down, i.e. blasting the music, singing into the spoon and dancing like Footloose in the kitchen while cooking dinner. However, we seem to be afraid to “let it all hang out” when with the masses and maybe we don’t even know who we really are when trying to be the chameleon for your peers, your co-workers, your family and your neighbors. To get clearer on this you might try some of these:

 

• Read a book you’ve never read, gain some insight into ideas you’ve never explored and see what sparks your fire

 

• Visit an exhibit, a city, beach, park or attraction you’ve never considered and you may find you are enthralled by the history and vibe of the place and gain a new personal interest

 

• Engage in a new weekly activity during your down time as you might have been missing out on the fact that you love wind surfing and all things airol and free

 

• Learn from your community, volunteer or attend free how to workshops/talks. A apart of being authentic is knowing what you know “how to” do well and what you love doing more often

 

Taking a Risk

There is a sort of hiding place in not expressing who we really are. Hiding usually indicates danger is a foot and the hiding place is one of safety. The funny thing about being hidden when it comes to concealing your true values and passion is its way more dangerous to stay in the cave, starving our spirits, then it is to come out, risk it all, hunt and gather the way we must to continue to flourish. What’s on the line when you don’t embrace yourself and when you don’t share that with others?

 

• True contentment happens when you are no longer anxious that some of the quirky parts of you might seep out and be discovered.  With reduced anxiety comes, less tension, more space to smile and increased opportunities to engage in thoughts of gratitude.

 

• Connection in relationships is strengthened with your peers and partner when you can trust them enough to accept who you really are. That acceptance can only happen when you allow them to experience you at your genuine best and your genuine worst.

 

Going full circle, perfection is unattainable and there is no expectation here to perfect your authenticity. It is yours to create and re-create as you learn more about who you are, what you stand for and the story you most want to be a part of in this world. I recognize that it’s not always easy, not always the popular way to be, yet in still I invite you to take on the challenge you were meant to rock and pursue living the life in the skin of your authentic self.