Living Authentically

What does it really mean to live authentically? Some people may tell you that it’s about showing up as they are, unapologetically. While pieces of that are true, it is much more than that.

When you are living authentically, you are aware of your values and how they guide how and the decisions you make. Living authentically means you are aware of your interactions with others and how you show up in the world. It’s not about saying “this is who I am, like it or leave it”.

Showing up authentically does not give you permission to be a jerk. Those who lead with authenticity are comfortable in who they are and do not chameleon in rooms they enter, for they know their values, what they stand for, and their intentions. They are not afraid to occupy space. Authentic people truly know who they are, to their core, because they have done a tremendous amount of work, practice deep self-reflection, and asked themselves some pretty difficult questions.

Living authentically means to own who you are. It’s not about trying to sell yourself or prove yourself in the world. It’s about embracing the gifts and talents you have, and using them to impact the world, in whatever you choose to do. It’s about letting go of everyone else’s expectations, thoughts and opinions and embracing your own. Living freely, and doing the things that you want to do. When’s the last time you asked yourself “what do I want out of this life?”

You may feel a little lost in this life at points in time, as we all do, but if you are living authentically, you will always come home to yourself and let your values and authenticity guide the way, for you are never truly lost when you have these two things.