I love this quote: “There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.” – Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Wouldn’t it be great if we could be unapologetically ourselves? What would that feel like? What would that sound like? What would that be like and what affect would we have on ourselves as well as our circle of family and friends? Have you ever wished to be truly authentic?
What does being authentic mean anyway? Let’s explore that a little. First of all, I have some questions to have you ask yourself to help define who you are (in case you don’t know). First of all, everyone’s life is driven by something. What are you driven by? What is the driving force in your life? Are you driven by fear, or need for approval, or depression, or anger, etc? Be honest because if you can’t be honest here, you won’t be authentic – honesty as part of authenticity.
Do you know the purpose of your life? Do you have meaning in your life is another way to put that question. If you don’t have meaning then you don’t have purpose and if you don’t have purpose life has no significance. So look at meaning and purpose in your life and make notes to help you.
What focus do you have in your life? A focused life is one that impacts others as well as self with positive activities, life style, health, spirituality, financial goals and achievements along with relationship building with unconditional positive regard.
My last question to help you with authenticity is this: What do you want your legacy to be? Are you trying to create a lasting legacy of honor, respect, love for self and others or are you focused on “winning at all costs” and having a negative lasting legacy? Are you using your talents, gifts, opportunities, energies, relationships and resources for the betterment of self and others around you?
So look at what you wrote down in response to those questions and now ask yourself this: “Am I being the best I can be in all areas of my life so that each night when I go to bed – if I should not wake up in the morning – I will still be happy with what I have done that day?”
That my friend is authenticity. Living each day the best we can, looking to improve on things we need to, loving others and contributing to our world in a positive way. Pretty simple but very hard to do.
Think about the “Truth Table” ritual which many people adopt in their homes and relationships. It is where time is taken to sit at a table and talk truthfully and without malice to another person with the intent of working something out and/or agreeing to disagree. This ritual can only happen if people live authentically and relate in an honest manner with others so that the relationship is the winner and not the individuals in that relationship. I powerful tool I use in working with individuals and couples in my private practice.
Authenticity requires the “Truth Table” in our lives so I hope that as you determine what your purpose is, what your legacy is, and what being authentic in your life means, that you will take steps required to live with more happiness in every day living and choose authenticity every day.
