In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: living authentically. Many of us struggle with questions about our identity, purpose, and the authenticity of our lives. The path of living authentically can be a profound and deeply personal one – one we don’t often stop and contemplate doing intentionally. As a counsellor, I notice clients do not necessarily notice it when they are living authentically, but they certainly feel the stress when they are not. It is a deeply uncomfortable space to be in. Ten ways we can check in on authenticity our own lives include:
1. Self-Awareness:
Authenticity begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and desires. Are your actions aligned with what you truly believe? Are you making choices that reflect your core values? Self-awareness requires an honest exploration of your thoughts and emotions, enabling you to make conscious decisions that resonate with your authentic self.
2. Emotional Honesty:
Living an authentic life involves acknowledging and expressing your true emotions. Are you allowing yourself to feel and express a full range of emotions, or are you suppressing certain feelings? Authenticity thrives when you’re open to experiencing and sharing your emotions without judgment. Embracing vulnerability and allowing yourself to be emotionally honest fosters genuine connections with others and enhances your overall well-being.
3. Alignment with Passions:
An authentic life is one that embraces your passions and talents. Do you engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, or are you merely going through the motions? Authenticity flourishes when you pursue activities that resonate with your true interests, allowing you to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world around you.
4. Intuitive Decision-Making:
Trusting your intuition is a powerful sign of authenticity. Are you making decisions based on what feels right for you, rather than succumbing to societal pressures or external influences? Authenticity involves tuning into your inner wisdom and listening to your gut feelings, guiding you towards choices that align with your genuine self.
5. Authentic Relationships:
The people you surround yourself with play a crucial role in your authenticity journey. Are your relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine connection, or do you find yourself in superficial interactions? Authentic relationships uplift and support you, allowing you to be your true self without fear of judgment.
6. Growth and Adaptability:
Living authentically doesn’t mean staying stagnant. It’s about embracing growth and change while staying true to your core values. Are you open to learning, evolving, and adapting, or are you resistant to change? An authentic life involves courage to explore new experiences, learn from challenges, and evolve as a person.
7. Inner Harmony:
Authenticity brings a sense of inner harmony and peace. Are you at peace with your decisions and actions, or do you often feel conflicted? Striving for inner congruence means aligning your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, leading to a sense of wholeness and contentment.
8. Drop the Mask:
Living authentically means letting go of societal masks. Do you feel the need to put on a facade in certain situations, or are you comfortable being your true self? Authenticity involves embracing your strengths and vulnerabilities, allowing others to see the real you without fear of rejection.
9. Self-Validation:
An authentic life is grounded in self-validation rather than seeking constant external approval. Are you confident in your choices and comfortable with who you are, or do you rely heavily on others’ opinions? Cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance enables you to find validation from within, empowering you to lead a more authentic life.
10. Meaning and Purpose:
Ultimately, living authentically leads to a life filled with meaning, purpose and fulfilment. Have a think about if you are you engaged in activities that give your life meaning, or do you find yourself constantly searching for something more? Authenticity guides you towards a sense of purpose and contentment, allowing you to savour the present moment and find fulfillment in your daily experiences. The path to living an authentic life is a transformative journey that requires self-reflection, self-acceptance, and a commitment to aligning your actions with your true self. If you are keen to take your reflective process to the next level, check out my Tree of Life [link] program which guides you through an in depth process to explore your true self. Remember, authenticity is a continuous process, and each step you take brings you closer to a life that reflects the essence of who you truly are – and you are worth it!
