Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. In order to heal and feel at ease internally, so we can shine authentically, we need to heal the trauma and shame we’ve been carrying.
To be authentic is to be vulnerable
- To be vulnerable is to soften our hearts, to let down the walls of armour and protection and allow ourselves to feel, process, and express how we’re truly feeling
- When we start to live authentically, we can enjoy life in the present moment because our mind is no longer trying to figure out how we “need to be” or trying to protect us from our pain
Questions for self-inquiry
- Am I enjoying what I’m doing, or am I doing what I think I “should” be doing?
- Do I always try to find the right things to say, or do I say how I truly feel?
- Do I pretend to not be bothered when I really am?
- Do I try to look good to others and create a false self-image, so I’ll be loved and accepted?
- How do I feel about myself? Do I feel like I’m being true to who I know myself to be?
- How do I relate to myself when I’m happy?
Questions to ask yourself to identify what’s standing in the way of your authenticity
- What were you rewarded for as a child?
- What did you get punished for as a child?
- How did your parents want you to look, dress, wear your hair, etc.?
- What were you told that success looks like?
- What were you judged and criticized for?
Questions to ask yourself to find your authentic expression
- What comes easy and natural for me?
- Who am I when no one is looking?
- What do I value?
- What am I inspired to do but my head tells me not to?
- What did I love to do as a child?
- What do I truly enjoy doing now?
