How Do You Embrace Your Authentic Self?
How Do You Embrace Your Authentic Self?
In the context of self-development, authenticity describes how closely we’re living up to our personal values. The concepts of authenticity or being your authentic self are commonly defined as the quality of being honest and truthful, to both ourselves and others.
Other people's expectations of us can affect our authenticity to ourselves. Our parents' expectations for our career or family life, our friends' expectations for our social lives, our partners expectations on how we should look. Surely, they mean well. Those that care for us normally want the best for us. We can respect input from another, but the weight of their input against your internal compass can become a very slippery slope.
The cost of not being true to yourself in order to validate someone else expectations will leave you bankrupt; mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
What other people think of you is none of your business. Try not to be concerned with anyone else’s opinions about your decisions, especially if they were unsolicited. Value yourself, own who you are. The more confident and comfortable you are in your skin; the more others will recognize you for your authentic self. Surround yourself with people who support your personal investment. Those that accept you, for you, will applaud your growth even if it is different from their own.
