Living The Authentic Self
Are You Living Your Authentic Self?
To know and express our authentic self, it is necessary to take off the false masks. To survive a difficult childhood, fit in with our peers, hide our emotional wounds and vulnerabilities or to be part of a group, we often become who and what others want us to be. Over time, we may begin to identify with these false masks, and we forget who we are. Eventually, these masks can feel more like a prison, than a coping strategy. No longer providing us with the safety and security we seek, we feel trapped by the false.
The feeling of not living from the center of our power, the sense that there is something else that we are meant to be doing and feeling an inner void and loneliness, are some of the signs that we have lost touch with our authentic self. When we continue to ignore these warning signs and persist in denying our true self, we suffer. We feel hollow and empty and unable to experience true joy.
Authentic living begins with being able to discern and acknowledge our personal truth, however perplexing or unsettling, we may judge it to be. This is the fundamental building block from which we build all of our successes. In our relationships, career choices and all of the many decisions that we make on a daily basis, it is essential to know who we are. Otherwise, we only create and experience discontent and emptiness.
To take off the false masks, we need to speak our truth. Say, “no” when we mean “no” and “yes” when we mean “yes.” We can be alert to when we allow others opinions and influences to quiet what we know in our heart and gut is true and right for us. Before accepting an invitation or agreeing to take on a task or responsibility, we may need to ask ourselves if this is what we really want to be doing.
If we are not sure, we can discover what we truly enjoy. See what helps us to feel calm and centered. We can the take time to investigate dormant talents and abilities by taking classes or trying new activities. Therefore, it is also important that we become more aware. Know when we are giving away our power to another or to a situation and take it back. We can boldly be who we are and with kindness express our feelings, opinions, and thoughts.
We are each, an evolving and ever-changing mix of emotions, thoughts, beliefs, soul and spirit. The work of self-awareness is to know and be true to all of who we are, even the conflicting and opposing aspects. So flow with the changes and challenges of life and trust in the wise and loving masterful authentic self. Let go of the masks that suppress spontaneity. Limit the capacity to enjoy new opportunities and possibilities and experience a renewal. Strip away the false and true intimacy with ourselves and others becomes possible. In conclusion, as we embrace the authentic self, we feel more alive and in sync with our soul’s purpose. We attract and magnetize that which speaks to and supports our true nature.
