If you were to ask a group of people to explain what an authentic life means to them, each person would give a different answer. This is because the concept of “authenticity” is as unique and complex as each individual.
Living authentically means being true to oneself and can ultimately lead to a fulfilling life with a sense of purpose. It is different for everyone, as each person has their own unique perspective on how to achieve it. Continuing on a steady path can provide four essential benefits of wellness, even as one’s thoughts and values evolve over time.
You’ll find your tribe.
People who are part of a social group and interact with others regularly tend to have better health and happiness levels compared to those who spend their time alone. It is important to find a group of people who share your values and beliefs to ensure your overall well-being while living an authentic life.
If you ever find yourself having to censor or modify your thoughts in front of certain people, it means that you haven’t yet found the group of people that truly resonate with you. It’s not fair to you or others to pretend to be someone you’re not just to fit in with a particular group.
When you finally find a group of people who accept you for who you are, you will feel a sense of freedom and safety, without any insecurities or fears holding you back. Being around your true tribe will inspire you to stay true to yourself and continue on your path toward fulfilling your purpose; you may find that you feel drained or unfulfilled after social gatherings when you’re not with your tribe. Even if the activity was enjoyable, you may still feel disconnected and bored.
On the other hand, when you find yourself with people who truly understand you, you experience mutual acceptance and bonding on an unexplained level. This is often expressed through the phrase “you get me” or “they get me.” If you have ever felt this way, you have likely met or know someone from your tribe.
Discovering your tribe may not be an easy task, but leading a genuine life will help you attract the right people. Instead of going to social events just to keep busy, attend the ones that you truly enjoy. You are more likely to meet people who share similar interests and values at events that align with your personality. Stay positive and open to unexpected connections. The search for your tribe is worth it because having mutual connections of acceptance, motivation, and encouragement is beneficial to everyone in the group.
There is a peaceful state of being that accompanies you wherever you go.
A life without internal peace and true purpose can eventually lead to increased levels of anxiety, which can result in depression. Living in balance and alignment with your true self can bring a sense of calmness to your life. This state can be achieved not just when you’re alone, but also during different activities in your daily routine. When you’re in harmony with yourself, conflicting thoughts and ideas will no longer dominate your life. The intrusive, loud voice that often tells you to do the opposite of what you think slowly fades away.
As you become more authentic, your intuition will grow stronger. Your inner voice will become louder and more precise, and you will be able to identify necessary actions and make the right decisions. Imagine not waking up in the middle of the night to watch a horror show depicting a particular scenario of your future having a disastrous ending.
It may take some time to reach a point where you trust yourself instead of doubting. But once you get there, you will realize that going back to where you started is not an option. You will become a person who smiles more, is filled with enthusiasm and hope, and trusts that your actions and decisions reflect your values and beliefs. Your choice of words and how you express yourself will change to reflect your authentic character, which is unique to you.
You feel as though you have an interior compass directing your path.
Being in tune with one’s needs and desires creates a sense of purpose and self-validation. When you know where you’re going, you don’t need to compare yourself to others. You begin to understand that your journey and purpose are different from the rest. Your timing of arrival is in process and not dependent on what others say and do. This is why you no longer react to the opinions of others. You realize that only you know what’s best for you because you’ve learned to listen to the inner voice behind the internal compass.
When you know your path is authentic, you understand the reasons behind your choices and desires. This is because you’re not trying to fulfill anyone’s expectations except your own. Your calling and purpose are perfectly designed to match who you are instead of how others see you. When you make this authentic shift in your life, don’t be surprised if you find yourself walking away from a steady job you no longer enjoy. You may consider finding another place to live. You may downsize from a home to an apartment or even consider moving to another city or town. You will look at your life from a different perspective once you move towards a state of authenticity.
When the questions and doubts come from others, you will maintain your confidence and assurance. You accept and embrace the reasons behind these changes, which reflect your new life. There’s a knowing within you that will not allow you to stray from your path. Fear will not detain you even if you’re walking alone on this road for a while.
You’ll experience a sense of well-being that encompasses your emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Research consistently shows that achieving optimum health requires a focus on all areas of our lives, not just some. Living authentically creates a domino effect, ultimately leading to a healthy balance between the mind and body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves consuming nutritious food and participating in physical activities such as weightlifting, pilates, hiking, or any other activity you enjoy.
However, if you consistently suppress your true self and refrain from living the life you desire, your physical efforts may not benefit your body to its fullest potential. Unfulfilled goals, repressed desires, and unmet needs have been linked to various health issues such as anxiety, back pain, headaches, and even anxiety attacks. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize your well-being and pursue your passions to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Taking some time out during the week, or even a couple of hours on the weekend, to check in with yourself can help you stay on the path of leading an authentic life. Going for walks, preferably somewhere quiet, can help you focus on the previous week and evaluate any pending decisions.
Journaling is a great way to visually capture and better understand those thoughts and emotions that, at times, race through your mind. Sometimes, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust about your feelings and challenging situations. This can provide a different perspective and help you verbalize your emotions.
Living an authentic life is a challenging task for everyone. In a society that values conformity and seeks validation from the majority, it can be difficult at times to choose the path less traveled. However, it is crucial to remain true to yourself. There may be times when you need to make exceptions, but the ultimate goal is to continue growing in a way that remains true to who you are.
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