What exactly does it mean to be authentic? First and foremost, I think it means knowing who you are. Though you can't really "be you" if you don't know who that is. Moreover, I think we can get so caught up in people pleasing, going along with the crowd, or acting out old behaviors, that we really don't notice we aren't being totally authentic or at least being who we'd "like" to be.
Authentic to me means carving your own path. It means having the different opinion, not going along with the gossip, and sticking to your own story. If you think about someone you admire, what is it that you admire about them? Is it because they are just like everyone else? Is it because they went along with the crowd? Of course not. The people we admire stand out because they are true to who they are no matter what.
Are you worried that by being authentic you will make a scene, lose some friends, or bring criticism your way? Being authentic and standing up for yourself doesn't mean that in a loud voice you tell everyone to stop complaining or that you are right and they are wrong. Instead it could be as simple as honoring your decision to not be negative or not to argue by walking away. It's kind of like a peaceful protest in which you hold to your values without hurting anyone else. And will you get criticized for being different. Probably. But those who criticize are just worried that their perfect idea of who you are has changed. You've messed up their world by being different, but that's their problem not yours.
What could you do today to align yourself more with who you are? When was the last time you stopped yourself and said, "Is this who I really am? Do I want to be this way?" Honor yourself by getting to know who you are. Being authentic is what makes great artists and creators. Head down that path of greatness by embracing your unique self. Be authentic today!
Comments