“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
– Brené Brown
As humans, we all have an innate desire to connect with others, but sometimes, we get caught up in the pressure to fit in with the people around us. We’re told from a young age that we need to be a certain way to be accepted, and so we learn to hide parts of ourselves and put on a mask. But in doing so, we often lose touch with our true selves – the unique, beautiful beings that we are.
In this post, we’re going to explore why we lose our authenticity and share some spiritual practices that can help you find your way back to your authentic self. Ready to rediscover your true self? Let’s do this!
The Problem with Conformity
From the moment we take our first breath, we are bombarded with messages telling us to play it safe, to blend in with the crowd, and to hide the parts of ourselves that might make others uncomfortable. Society tells us that conformity is the path to success, and that standing out is a surefire way to fail.
So we learn to put on a mask, to hide our true selves behind a façade that’s more palatable to others. But in doing so, we lose touch with the very essence of who we are – our unique quirks and qualities, the things that make us special. We become disconnected from our inner wisdom and intuition, and we find ourselves living lives that are a pale imitation of our deepest desires and values.
How to Embrace Your Authenticity and Find Yourself
If you feel like you have lost touch with your authentic self, you’re not alone! The good news is that it is never too late to reconnect with your true nature. Here are five ways to find yourself again:
1.) Practice Self-Awareness
The first step in reconnecting with your authentic self is to become more self-aware. Take the time to reflect on your values, your passions, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Notice when you are wearing a mask or pretending to be someone you are not. Pay attention to your emotions, your thoughts, and your physical sensations. The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to live authentically.
2.) Embrace Your Uniqueness
It’s time to stop playing small and hiding in the shadows. It’s time to embrace the parts of yourself that make you unique and special. Your quirks, your passions, your individuality – these are the things that make you shine.
When you stop trying to be like everyone else and embrace your authentic self, you give others permission to do the same. Remember that you are a one-of-a-kind creation, and your unique qualities are the gifts that you have to offer the world. So don’t be afraid to let your light shine – it’s what you were born to do!
3.) Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. When you practice mindfulness, you become more aware of your thoughts, your emotions, and your physical sensations. You learn to observe them without reacting to them or getting lost in them. Mindfulness can help you to cultivate a sense of inner peace and to connect more deeply with your true self.
4.) Express Your Truth
Ready to step out of the shadows and into the light? I see you! You have a unique perspective, a voice that deserves to be heard. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it goes against the grain. Share your thoughts, your feelings, your opinions with the world – authentically, unapologetically, and without worrying about what others might think. When you express your truth, you honor the very essence of who you are, and you inspire others to do the same. So let your voice be heard, my friend. The world needs your light.
5.) Surround Yourself With Real People
Listen up, because this is important. The people you surround yourself with can make or break your life. If you want to live authentically, you need to surround yourself with people who value authenticity. Seek out friends and mentors who encourage you to be yourself, who celebrate your quirks and unique qualities, and who support you in living a life that is aligned with your deepest values and desires.
Don’t waste your time with people who try to tear you down, who make you feel small, or who don’t understand the beauty of your true self. Your tribe is out there, waiting for you to find them. So go out and seek your people, my friend. Your authentic self will thank you for it.
Ultimately, the choice is yours: You can either continue to live behind masks and play pretend, or you can step out of the shadows and live authentically. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it. By practicing self-awareness, embracing your uniqueness, practicing mindfulness, expressing your truth, and surrounding yourself with authentic people, you can find your way back to your true self. You owe it to yourself to live a life that is aligned with your deepest values and desires. The world needs your authentic self – your quirks, your passions, and your unique qualities. So step into your power, my friend, and shine your light for all to see. The time is now – live your most authentic life.
Isn't it time you started living the life you've always imagined?
