Finding your authentic self is a lifelong journey, but one thats essential to embark on.
Brene Brown
From the moment we are born, our identity begins to form.
We dont question these ideas when we are children because we dont have the capacity to.
Clay Banks
We are told who we should be for so long we eventually feel lost.
Are we who our parents think we should be?
Are we what our friends think we are?
Are we our societal roles?
Finding your authentic self is a lifelong journey, but one thats essential to embark on.
Who you are in solitude is your purest, most authentic self.
Many times we get caught up in societal roles.
We develop expectations around these roles, some of which are impossible to meet.
We may learn great things about ourselves while fulfilling different roles.But in solitude, well find our equilibrium.
Who are we when the opinions of others are silenced?
Who are we when we step away from our societal roles and expectations?
To find our authentic self, its important to strive for this equilibrium in our lives.
They also restore our voice.
We wont know what we want if we let others influence our decisions.
We see external goals, such as making money or gaining titles, as the pinnacle of success.
Yetstudieshave shown these things do not give you happiness.
Its best to minimize or leave relationships that leave you feeling agitated or uncomfortable.
I once had a boss that made everyone in the office feel agitated, fearful, and anxious.
It was a toxic environment.
Many professionals put on personas to fit into certain environments.
As a lawyer, there was pressure to fit into a stereotype.
Its also true that chasing your peace can lead you to your authentic self.
Embrace What Makes You Unique
We all have a unique blueprint for our life.
When we attempt to fit in someone elses blueprint, we suffer.
We should ask ourselves: What is the price you pay for trying to fit into society?
The more we lean into our differences, the closer we get to being our authentic self.
Are you an orator?
Or particularly gifted at something?
Do you work better in groups or alone?
Sometimes we fear what makes us unique.
But the things that make us unique are precisely what we should cultivate.
Being authentic involves embracing your unique traits unapologetically.
When you strive to be normal, you lose a bit of yourself.
When you embrace who you are and cultivate your uniqueness, you are one step closer to authenticity.
What unique gifts and talents do you have?
You were born with these gifts and talents for a reason.
They are your guideposts to helping you find yourself.
Difficult moments strip us of our ego and reveal our truest self.
These moments that define our life often reveal to us our own inner strength.
If we remain mindful, suffering will point you in the direction of authenticity.
Suffering shows you what hasnt been working in your life.
Finding your authentic self is a process of elimination.
You eliminate whats working in your life and what isnt.
Maybe itll give you a glimpse of your authentic self.
Your curiosity is a powerful indicator of who you truly are.
Our curiosity can be influenced by outside voices.
Society tells us to like certain things and we may become curious.
for find your authentic self, notice what you areintenselycurious about.
Intense curiosity is like a boomerangit comes back to us with intense force time and time again.
We cant look away.
We are drawn to it even when nobodys looking.
This intense curiosity is the strongest indicator of your authentic self.
Your intense curiosity is telling you to listen.
Let it show you your truth.
