If you’re not tapping into your true self, are you really living?
There’s a trueness and falseness in the way we live our lives. For many years, I was living a life of an idealised version of myself, a superficial self, and sadly an artificial pseudo self. Living in a world that was constantly telling me what to do, how to act, what to be and how to look. I was completely challenged in knowing how to be true to myself and live the life I wanted to live.
I had this belief and thoughts that I wouldn’t be accepted, loved and successful, if I walked the path of my truly authentic Devine soul trueness with every essence of my being. It was a way to keep me safe, for me to be accepted and to fit in. Thankfully, I have made changes, so I now live a freely powerful, expressive life, in all of my glorious uniqueness and I dance along my path in life.
To be quite honest, it was exhausting to suppress who I really was and am. I recall people asking me ‘How are you?’ I would just say ‘I’m good’ to avoid an in-depth conversation, and I would think they don’t really want to know how I am. I would often say ‘I’m fine’, even when I wasn’t. I was afraid to be myself, the mask and persona I was showing the world would tighten and as time went on, it became harder to remove the mask even when I was alone. I was lost.
One of the biggest situations I see on a daily basis is incredible women going through life in their various roles as a career woman, businesswoman, partner, wife, mother, friend, under a shadow of who they truly really are. Just as I was.
Can you take off the mask? This can be the bravest and toughest thing to beat, it’s an internal struggle. We have learned that we have to feel safe before we can start to be authentic. It can be especially hard in the relationships we have with all people in our lives.
Some people avoid vulnerability at any and all costs, living a life of suffering and pain over what life could be. In our relationship with ourselves, we can look in the mirror and immediately put on the mask.
It all starts with a story… the story of you. You have been on your own unique journey in this life and that journey has led you to where you are today and the beautiful being that you are, with all of your lightness and darkness. Be unafraid, embrace and celebrate all aspects of that journey. You are enough to be, have, do and be anything you choose.
So, being your true self sounds like wise advice, yes? Being true to yourself has a range of benefits, authenticity is more than a way to feel good in life, it’s good for your health, relationships, spirituality, and even your career!
- Greater self-confidence
To live an authentic true to yourself life has a significant effect on your self-confidence. You like yourself more, you trust your judgment, you acknowledge and work with your own unique set of skills and talents. And you make better choices that align with how you want to be. For that reason alone, isn’t it worthwhile stepping into your true self?
- More respect
As your confidence grows, you’ll inspire respect in others as they see you living in your truth. Everyone wants someone to look up to, and people recognise and respect authenticity. You’ll find yourself being a role model and a leader for others. Which is what the world needs right now!
- Greater trust
When people see you living in alignment with your values, see you being straightforwardly yourself, their trust in you will soar. And trustworthy people make great leaders. If you become known for being honest and trustworthy, you’re more likely to be promoted or given opportunities. Imagine that!
- Better health
Living in alignment means you’re much more likely to take care of yourself, you’ll prioritise self-care, rest and balance. People that are committed to living an authentic life were more likely to eat healthy foods, exercise and spend time in nature. Being your authentic true self also sets you up for better mental health as you are calmer, less conflicted and are generally happier all round! Simple, isn’t it?
- Greater resilience
People who are at peace with their true selves are much more resilient when it comes to dealing with life’s challenges and ups and downs. They deal better with stress, which in turn has great benefits for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. You’ve heard of cortisol, right? That comes from being highly stressed and none of us need that running through our bodies!
- Better relationships
Being truly authentic leads to better relationships because you’re not pretending to be someone else. You can be honest and straightforward about who you are and what you value, without fear of being judged. You’re also better at managing boundaries and less judgmental of your partner, your family, friends, etc.
Ultimately, living a truly authentic life means that you will live a life with no regrets. You’ve probably seen those lists of top regrets of those people at the end of their days. Choose not to be one of those people. Start now by choosing to live authentically true to yourself. Choose to be unapologetically authentic and choose to be happy! That’s Pura Vida!
A great way to get started is with my 3 Golden Nuggets to help you to live a life more authentically aligned to your true being.
Golden Nuggets
1. Be present in the now
Do what you are doing in that exact movement with every essence of your being. Get out of your head, look at what’s in front of you, and experience this moment.
Top Tip
When going for walk, avoid getting lost in senseless thought. When you realise that this is happening, start looking at each foot as it hits the ground. Be mindful of all of your senses, what you think, see, hear, smell, taste, feel. Bring yourself back to that moment and I guarantee you that you will be instantly happier.
2. The magic is in the nothingness
Take quiet time for yourself each day. Stay there long enough to remember who you are. And when this experience is over, do your best to take it into the rest of your day.
Top Tip
Light a candle and look into the flame for just 5 minutes a day to introduce a gentle ritual and practice. Honour this time for yourself. You are building the most important relationship you will have in this life, the one with yourself.
3. Prioritise you
Take care of yourself and you will soon realise without a doubt that doing so is your number one job, your biggest priority. And although you might think it sounds incredibly selfish, you will come to understand that if you put yourself first, you will feel better. Your passion to take care of others will come naturally and without obstacle or effort.
Top Tip
Ask yourself what are the 3 best ways you can take better care of yourself? Trust your intuition and have faith that you have the answers, and they will come from your heart, your true self. By doing this you are tapping into your inner wisdom, which always leads to a path of greater peace and wellbeing.
So, let’s summarise those Golden Nuggets again:
- Be present in the now
- The magic is in the nothingness
- Prioritise you
By being yourself, you are being brave, courageous and strong. By acknowledging all you can be, you tell the universe that you can until you believe it too. The steps are easy, and you are worth it. All of it is about the purpose you are leading and the passion that is your fuel.
Staying true to yourself is all about mastering how to live life authentically rather than faking or forcing it. Having the life you want and deserve is about being trusting in yourself and the purpose you are living for. Both need passion to fuel each experience, or you will burn out. Just as I did.
When you are authentic, you can call the path you walk your own. When you live your life for you and not just the results of all your actions you can let go of what you don’t need.
Thank you for joining me and I look forward to seeing you again next week for Pura Vida Your Life Happenings for insight, inspiration and more Golden Nuggets to help you live a happier and fulfilled life.
I invite you to come on a journey of empowerment with me – sign up to Discoveries to start taking steps to improve your life!
Pura Vida Your Life – it all starts with you 🧡💙💛
Until next time – Pura Vida!