Living an Authentic Life
Imagine if you could show up as your true self every day, unburdened by fear and the judgment of others. Picture a life in which your unique gifts and talents shine, unmasked and free. So many of us long for this sense of freedom but don’t know how to break through the inauthentic shell that conceals our passion, purpose and joy.
Years ago, I felt as though the best parts of me were trapped in a cage built from ‘fear and shame’. It seemed impossible to break through the stories I felt obligated to live.
Let’s consider an example: Think about a young child. When we enthusiastically ask: “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” we unknowingly frame their identity in terms of a job or role. “I want to be a doctor,” or “I want to be a lawyer,” they might respond. But what if that child answered, “I want to be me. I want to live my best life and use my gifts to make the world better”?
This childlike truth holds an important lesson. Our authentic selves are often hidden beneath the identities we are taught to adopt as we grow older. We see this pattern in our parents, siblings, teachers and peers. We also observe how many people become disillusioned and struggle to ‘find themselves’.
The solution lies in overcoming the fear that keeps us tethered to these borrowed identities. The breakthrough happens when we stop trying to be what we think we ‘should’ be and start embracing who we truly are. I discovered the power of living as my authentic self and what followed was transformative. I experienced deeper, more meaningful relationships with my family. I learned to love myself, imperfections and all. I found peace with my story and began to live with purpose.
The first step to reclaiming your authenticity is to remember who you are. Think back to when you were three years old – full of joy, passion and uninhibited by self-consciousness. That little version of you knew how to bring their true self into the world.
Living authentically means letting go of the shame-filled stories that have stolen pieces of our true selves. It’s realising that, when we acknowledge our true nature, we are already enough – just as we are.
If you feel lost and unsure of who you are, begin by remembering what makes you you. Embrace your unique, imperfect self and share it with the world. The journey to self-love begins with the simple act of accepting and celebrating who you are. Why not start a journal and write a love letter to yourself – to that beautiful little person deep inside you? Give yourself permission to be brave. Forgive yourself for the times you didn’t use your voice, for not pursuing your dreams and for not following your heart. Take it one step at a time. Choose yourself and remember you are worth wrapping your arms around your authentic self.
Since I have embraced this journey, I have truly lived. I have learned to forgive, to love myself and to rediscover the essence of who I am. The choice is yours – why not choose you?
