Do you struggle with expressing your inner desires—being your authentic self?
Most people do. For way too long I spent most of my time being concerned with what I thought people wanted me to do and say.
I was prioritizing everyone else at the expense of myself.
It was exhausting.
Sound familiar?
I prefer living in my authenticity—giving myself permission to think and feel the way I do regardless if others like it or agree with my point of view.
Accepting the truth—I cannot please all people all the time, has freed me to be myself.
It is much easier to be me, while at the same time, allowing you to be who you were created to be. My life is much fuller now in so many ways.
The fast track to a life of limitations is to ignore or hide your true self (identity, thoughts, feelings, and actions) by attempting to be someone you are not.
You are unique. Everything that makes you who you are is there by divine design.
The world needs you to be YOU!
Through my work, I have found, for many people, this can be a tall mountain to climb. But it is not an impossible feat.
Here are Five strategies to living a life of authenticity:
- Be honest —always be true to yourself
- Be clear—say what you mean and mean what you say
- Be strong—avoid qualifying your thoughts/ideas
- Be brave—don’t compromise
- Be empowering—allow others to hold a different thought or idea
Let’s break these down a bit further.
Be honest—with yourself and with others. In doing so, you learn to take responsibility for the results you get in your life. Own your decisions. Make course adjustments when needed. Be willing to make amends if/when it’s necessary. Honesty leads to self growth.
Be clear-this is where it gets difficult. Make it a priority to always say what you mean rather than what you think someone wants to hear.
Be clear and concise. Set boundaries. No need to over explain.
Be strong—the language you choose when expressing yourself is important. Stay away from using qualifying words that weaken your thoughts and ideas.
-I think
-if you don’t mind
-maybe
-just
Using these words projects a lack of confidence or assurance in what you are stating. Take notice when you find yourself qualifying rather than simply stating. Once you state your intentions—hold true to them.
Be brave–compromise will frustrate you and break down trust with others. When you set a boundary, you are the one who needs to ensure that others do not cross it. Do not accept unacceptable behavior. It’s better to stand alone than to join the crowd just for the sake of being with others, or to avoid confrontation. Stay true to your own standards. Respect your own standards, ideas and decisions.
Be empowering—When you show up authentically in life, you empower others to do the same. When you allow yourself to own your thoughts, ideas, feelings, and actions, you model for others what it means to live beyond limitations, which demonstrates a clear path for others to follow.
You will be tested in these areas—nothing has gone wrong. It’s part of the process of living a life of authenticity.
You were created for greatness…no need to hide or shrink for anything or anyone. You need no one’s permission to be your amazing self.
You are Irreplaceable!
-Lucy Ann
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