Have you ever felt like there’s more to life than what you’re currently experiencing?
Like there’s a version of yourself that’s capable of achieving greater things?
You may feel like you don’t have the resources or opportunities you need to make a change. I get it – I’ve been there.
Maybe you believe that your goals are impossible to achieve because they seem too difficult or far away.
But I want to share one thing with you that’s helped me get through those tough times and start digging myself out of the hole I’d managed to create for myself. Authenticity. Yes. Authenticity.
Being true to you
Authenticity means honoring your unique experiences, values, and perspectives and allowing them to guide you in living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
When you’re authentic, you’re living in alignment with your true self, and that’s when the magic happens.
By being honest with yourself, recognizing your passions, and aligning your life with your values, you can discover a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s difficult to attain in any other way.
Transforming your life is a journey that starts with self-discovery, and the more you embrace your true self, the more you’ll see positive changes in your relationships, career, and overall well-being.
Why you should start your own journey today
I have no clue about you or the situation you’re in today…but I do know what it’s like to be less than authentic. I’ve been that way for a good part of my life.
Afraid to be my authentic self, I became a people pleaser. I was rarely entirely true to myself. As for putting myself first…shock…horror. It was impossible.
I was getting sick and anxious with little peace of mind, and I knew the lack of authenticity had to stop.
Breaking free from the status quo
So I started changing tiny behavioral patterns, beginning with finding ways to manage saying’ no’ that didn’t leave me feeling terrible.
You can’t control every pattern of inauthenticity, perhaps. I never say never, but so far, I haven’t managed it, but it makes sense to start somewhere, right?
And yes, there are some areas where I find myself falling back into old habits. But, unfortunately, we’re all in that same boat when making any life changes.
It’s a continuous struggle to keep pressing forward. It’s the old story of two steps forward, one step back, but it’s still momentum.
And if it’s a choice between staying who I was and taking tiny steps forward to being someone who accepts and admits that something needs to be done and constantly ending up with the life I had, it’s a no-brainer.
How about you? Does your future look bright to you? Or will you wake up years from now, look back, and regret not moving forward sooner?
The question is, how do you embrace authenticity in your present moment, even when it seems as though you don’t have everything you need to make a change?
Focus on what you can control
Focusing on what you lack or what’s holding you back is natural, but it’s important to remember that you have power in the present moment.
Begin by focusing on your existing resources, skills, and strengths, and consider how to use them for positive change.
Perhaps you can’t make a drastic change like starting a new business or ending a relationship, but you can start by setting small goals and taking practical steps that align with your values and aspirations.
Every small step counts, and over time, these actions can lead to significant changes in your life, helping you unlock your potential and achieve your dreams.
Surround yourself with supportive people
Authenticity can be scary – it means putting yourself out there and being vulnerable is scary.
But it’s a lot easier when you have people who believe in and support you. So surround yourself with positive and supportive people who believe in you and your vision.
Be honest with yourself
Authenticity means being honest with yourself about what you want and need.
Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you’re happy with life, but deep down, you know it’s not true.
It’s okay to admit that to yourself – in fact, it’s necessary if you want to make a change. Be honest about what you want, and you’ll find it easier to take steps to make it happen.
Practice self-compassion
Embracing authenticity can be a bumpy road, and being kind to yourself along the way is essential.
You might make mistakes or feel like you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like.
Don’t worry; encountering obstacles is just part of the process.
Embrace self-compassion by extending the same empathy, understanding, and care toward yourself that you would offer to a friend in need.
Maintaining Authenticity
Authenticity isn’t always easy – there might be times when you feel like giving up or going back to your old ways
But remember why you started on this path in the first place. Stay true to your values and dreams, even when it’s hard. It might not be easy, but you’ll be happy you did it in the end.
The journey to your true self
Authenticity is a journey, not a destination. It’s not something you achieve, and then you’re done – it’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and growth.
And embracing it means being open to change and new experiences and learning more about yourself daily.
When you’re true to yourself, you’re living a meaningful and fulfilling life, and that’s what we all want, right?
Surround yourself with supportive people, be honest, practice self-compassion, and stay true to yourself, even when it’s hard.
Sometimes we have to admit that we’re our worst enemies and don’t do what we know needs to be done.
But always remember the power to transform your life is up to you. Only you can create a future that’s aligned with your true self – all it takes is a little courage, commitment, and the willingness to take that first step.
So go out there, embrace your authenticity, and create a life that’s truly worth applauding.
Encourage one another.
Love Elle
xox
Photo by Khamkhor on Unsplash
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5 Comments
Hello Elle –
Thank you for this latest installment.
And typing from some of the points I found so good . . .
Begin by focusing on your current situation – Excellent ! So often, we get caught up in our past stories that we end up missing out on or limiting our current experiences. Take stock of where you are and you’ll probably be amazed how awesome you are !
Practice self compassion – Brilliant ! We need to cut ourselves some slack. We are not the same person we were, we are way more better today !
The Power to transform Your Life – It’s an inside job ! It’s up to us and no one else to bring about the positive changes we desire. One thought at a time, one step at a time, it’s up to us !
Greggos
Hi Greggos, what a great reply, thank you so much. As always it’s good to hear from you.
Elle,
This resonates with me so much. Because my job is working on the computer and my online presence and writing books and blogs is on the computer as well, I feel like I sit here and look at this screen while the world happens around me. I do practice self-compassion and have supportive people around me which does help. I also am focusing on things I CAN control. I’m about ready to change jobs, I think, to one where I have total control over my schedule and when I do the work. That way I can go to yoga, take a walk, take a nap, sleep later, ….whatever I need that day. I think I will be much happier.
I hear you Debbie and I love your phrase “I feel like I sit here and look at this screen while the world happens around me.” It’s so pertinent to this and I totally get what you mean. I wish I’d thought of it myself, it would have definitely gone into the article!
Inspiring piece, Elle. It all begins with authenticity, doesn’t it? I strive to be as authentic as I can following the kinds of suggestions you’ve made. But like you say, it’s a journey, not a destination. I could develop more self-compassion, for example.