One thing that I’ve found not only improves my mental health, but also makes my life more fun, is learning how to live authentically. If you’ve been here for a bit and heard me talk about my ‘heal, grow, live’ cycle, this is the LIVE phase.
The key to living authentically is self-knowing.
Before embarking on my healing journey, I barely knew myself. Trying new things has been a crucial part of learning who I am. It helps me discover what I love and enables me to live more authentically. If you’ve seen me baking cakes, practicing yoga, exploring new restaurants, or dressing up just for fun, these are all parts of my self-discovery journey.
Living authentically means embracing your true self, free from societal expectations and external pressures. It involves understanding your values, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. When you know yourself deeply, you can make choices that align with your authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
So how can you cultivate self-knowing and live more authentically? Here are a few suggestions:
Self-reflection:
Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Journaling, meditation, or simply having quiet moments alone can help you gain insight into your inner world. Self-reflection is a powerful tool for understanding yourself and living authentically.
Explore your interests:
Engage in activities that genuinely interest you. Try new hobbies, take classes, or join groups related to your passions. Through exploration, you’ll uncover aspects of yourself that you may not have known before. Exploring your interests is a wonderful way to live authentically and discover what truly resonates with you.
Embrace vulnerability:
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to new experiences. Through vulnerability we can connect with others on a deeper level, and find out what we need in relationships/friendships. Embracing vulnerability is a courageous step towards living authentically and fostering meaningful connections.
Release the weight of others expectations:
Release the need to please others or conform to societal norms. Start by creating a list of people whose opinions matter to you. When you start to wonder about people judging your actions, check that list. Embrace your uniqueness and give yourself permission to be true to who you are. Letting go of expectations frees you to live authentically and make choices that align with your own values and desires.
Practice self-compassion:
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge that self-discovery is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Embrace self-compassion as you navigate through the process of self-knowing. By practicing self-compassion, you create a nurturing environment for personal growth and living authentically.
The LIVE phase represents the integration of healing and growth into your daily life. It’s an opportunity to fully embrace and enjoy life after overcoming challenges and experiencing personal growth. By aligning with your values, passions, and authentic self, you can create a fulfilling and genuine life.
Living authentically is a transformative journey that involves cultivating self-knowing. Through self-reflection, exploring your interests, embracing vulnerability, letting go of expectations, and practicing self-compassion, you can live authentically and create a life that resonates with your true self.
Remember that living authentically is an ongoing process of self-exploration, self-reflection, and self-compassion. Each step you take brings you closer to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
To live authentically, start by deeply understanding yourself, embracing vulnerability, and showing kindness to yourself. Step outside your comfort zone, explore your passions, and allow your true self to shine.
