It wasn’t so long ago that the ‘norm’ was to get a 9 to 5 job, settle down, have a family and get the kids ready to repeat the pattern. There’s nothing wrong with that path if it’s right for you, it’s only a problem if you’re pushed into a pattern that doesn’t fit with your true self. The pendulum has been swinging the other way for some time now as more and more individuals are becoming aware of other options and different life paths. The thing about authentic living is that there’s no right or wrong, there’s only your truth and your authenticity.
So, what does it mean to live authentically? Authentic living is about being true to yourself, aligning your actions with your personal values and establishing boundaries that protect your health, energy and well-being. It’s about moving along your life path with honesty and courage, recognising and embracing who you truly are.
How often have you said you were ‘fine’ when you were asked how you were? How often was that response automatic? Self awareness is the foundation of authentic living. Having a deep understanding of your thoughts, emotions and the motivations behind your actions gives you a profound knowledge of yourself. Developing self-awareness requires that you go on an inner journey of self discovery. It takes introspection and honesty with yourself and, while it can be challenging, it can be one of the most rewarding journeys you can go on.
There a number of ways to develop self awareness and the best place to start is by trying something new. Setting aside some time each day – or when you can – to reflect and check in with yourself gives you the chance to get past the ‘I’m fine’ mindset. A journal is a great tool for this exercise. If you feel comfortable enough, getting feedback from trusted friends and mentors can bring you insights and different perspectives into how others see you. This can also be a great confidence boost! Practising mindfulness can bring you some inner peace, stillness and a new comfort in your own time and space. Try taking up meditation to attune to your inner self.
As your self awareness increases, your perceptions change and you learn to recognise when something is right for you and when it goes against your values. You become capable of making choices that truly resonate with who you are.
In order to live authentically, your actions need to be consistent with your personal values. Values are the principles and standards that guide you deep down. They represent what is most important in your life and when you’re living in alignment with your values, you feel real differences in your mindset and sense of self. While you have values, you may not have consciously considered them before and therefore are not aware of what they actually are. Identifying your core values is the first step. They may include things like integrity, compassion, family or connection. Once you recognise your values, you can evaluate how closely you’re currently aligned with them in your life and look at where changes may need to be made. This process can take time and you can opt for professional support from a qualified life coach in order to move forward on your journey.
Living in alignment with your personal values allows you to experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose.
Healthy boundaries are essential for authentic living. Your boundaries define what’s acceptable and unacceptable behaviour from others. They protect you from over-giving, draining your own inner resources and compromising your mental, physical and emotional well-being. It’s important to know your limits and to step back to recharge when you need to in order to stay healthy and happy. Be clear when you’re communicating your boundaries and your needs and be consistent when you need to enforce them. Setting and maintaining clear boundaries gives you the space where you can thrive and avoid overwhelm. You can’t be your best for others before you look after yourself.
Living authentically provides more than just emotional well-being, it also has significant health benefits. Aligning your life with your true self reduces internal conflict which can lower stress levels. Authentic living comes through self acceptance and self esteem, both of which are strong foundations for good mental health. The life you live influences the connections you make, so when you choose to live authentically, the connections you make on your journey are genuine and lead to more supportive and fulfilling relationships. With your self awareness in place and your life moving in the direction of your values, you are more likely to take part in activities that promote physical health, such as exercise, healthy eating and adequate rest. Authentic living is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. By developing self-awareness, aligning your actions with your values, and setting healthy boundaries, you can lead a life that is true to yourself. The rewards are manifold, including improved mental and physical health, and a greater sense of purpose. Start your journey towards authentic living today, and experience the profound impact it can have on your life.