5 Ways to Live Authentically Every Day
February 6, 2015
Do you ever feel like you are living someone else’s life? Have you ever wished you were brave enough to say what you need to say? Have you ever longed to do something different? If so, you are not alone. At some point, most of us will take inventory of our lives but not everyone will take the steps necessary to make changes. If you want to live your life on your own terms, authentically, here are some suggestions to help get things started.
Be Self-Aware
How well do you know and respect yourself as you really, truly are? Do you try to hide your imperfections? While it is tempting to want to conceal our weaknesses, embracing and accepting your own humanity is extremely important to being resilient and authentic. All humans struggle in some way and our willingness to be open helps us to not only grow as individuals but connect with those around us.
Trust Your Instincts
Too often, people ignore their own intuition. There are many theories about where these feelings come from but one thing is universal – we all have them. It can be difficult at first, especially if you are more comfortable controlling all aspects of your life, but surrendering to your gut instincts and allowing them to guide your actions can be extremely liberating.
Speak Your Truth
We’ve all had moments when we wished we had just spoken up and shared our true feelings about something. Rather than living with regret, learn to say what is on your mind at the time. It might come out all wrong at first but keep practicing. Of course, there are times when it might be better to keep your thoughts to yourself but, if it’s weighing on you, it’s better to get it out in the open.
Have an Open Mind
When you choose to live authentically, it’s important to be in touch with your own values and opinions. That being said, it’s also a good idea to be open to new experiences and information that can help you continue on your journey through life. Remember that, even if you have a strong opinion about something, there is always more to learn. Embrace the moments when you can expand your knowledge.
Let Go of Fear
Making decisions, sharing your feelings, interacting with others and trying new things can be anxiety-inducing. Some people even allow their fear of change to become crippling. You never know how something is going to turn out until you try it but taking risks can be scary. Every day, challenge yourself to do one thing that scares you. You may be surprised by how addictive it can be to live life without fear.
Whatever course of action you choose, give yourself permission to live your life authentically on your own terms. Let every day be a learning experience for you and everyone around you and, when you go to sleep at night, know that you gave it your best.
