There must be a willingness to act
in accordance with your real nature even when it feels vulnerable. It allows you
to connect deeply with others because it requires you to be transparent and
vulnerable. Who you are evolves and changes. When you live with this kind of
self-awareness, decisions are easier because you are free to choose things that
move you closer to your values.
You are able to stand in the
presence of your imperfections, because you can accept your humanity. You can
also embrace your talents and abilities. Authenticity may require you to
acknowledge aspects of yourself that you’d rather hide away, but in the end it
allows you to live a more open, honest, and engaged life. Here are five ways to
get started with an authentic life:
1.
Fill in the blank:
If you knew me you’d know this: ___________. This is a prompt that allows
people to reveal essential aspects of who they are. It builds trust,
credibility and confidence with the person you are sharing it with.
Authenticity does sometimes feel scary, but it also builds intimacy.
2.
Foster an open mind:
Authenticity flourishes when you experience the world completely from every
perspective. Rigid thinking keeps you trapped in limitation, which causes you
to shut down our vulnerable, authentic self. Challenge yourself to look at
all sides of the situation. Be open.
3.
Notice when you are being inauthentic: Pay attention to those times when you are insincere in
your speech, or when you are acting in a way that doesn’t align with your core
values. Then explore the fears and beliefs that may create those barriers to
your authenticity.
4.
Redefine your values: It’s hard to behave in an authentic
person if you do not know what you desire. Often, you hold tight to the same
values you grew up with, when you need to reevaluate what feels right to you
now and align our actions around those things. Get clear on what you care about
and authenticity will take hold.
5.
Trust your intuition:
Often, you feel out of sync when you are acting inauthentic. Things just don’t
feel right. Pay attention to those hunches, physical sensations, and
impressions. They can be your instincts telling you that you are not being
genuine. When you are on track and authentic, you’ll feel that too.
“You
cannot experience the fullness of your authentic self or life when you live to
avoid hurt. You will never know the joy of love or the peaceful satisfaction of
being loved if you hide from hurt.” (Iyanla Vanzant)[i]
HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY 2019 FROM ROBERT
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Ways to Live an Authentic
Life” BY Polly Campbell
·
Want People to See the Real
You? Here Are 5 Simple Ways to Be More Authentic by Wanda Thibodeaux
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