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Learning how to be your most authentic self in a world where we constantly feel like we’re never good enough is a difficult journey.
Every day we learn more ways we’re not attractive enough. Our bodies aren’t the way they should be.
We want to be healthier, smarter, more successful.
But those are more superficial qualities.
They should only make up a small portion of who we are.
There are so many more important qualities about ourselves that we should search for and find.
Ask yourself: Do you know who you really are deep within your skin? Is your “personality” just a coverup for who you truly are?
Every day I feel like I’m becoming more and more like my most authentic self.
I’ve grown so, so, so much in the past year.
And I gotta tell you…it feels pretty damn good learning who I really am.
Here are 6 ways I practice being my most authentic self:
6 Ways to Practice Being Your Most Authentic Self
1. ALONE TIME
We all need time alone.
We learn the most about ourselves when we don’t have anybody else to distract us.
Take time alone to learn who you really are at your core.
Turn off the news. Turn away from social media. Travel alone. Go on adventures by yourself.
If you recently went through a breakup, stay single for a while to find out who you are.
Yes, you can grow in a relationship, but you’ll do the most soul-searching when you’re single.
Coping with loneliness:
2. SIT IN NATURE
I feel so amazing when I’m in nature.
There’s hardly any other way I feel more at peace with myself.
I love breathing in the fresh air and soaking up all the sounds of the earth.
You can walk through your neighborhood, ride your bike around town, or hike at your local forest preserve.
You can even just lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by.
I love, love, love doing yoga outside.
It’s putting two of my favorite things together and embracing some of my most peaceful moments.
It’s a very mindful experience, and I highly recommend it.
3. PRACTICE SELF-CARE
Being your most authentic self doesn’t come easy.
What I learned is that you actually have to practice it.
You have to practice self-care. You have to practice self-love.
This means actively embracing things you don’t like about yourself by accepting these negatives and turning them into positives.
Accept all your “flaws” and unique characteristics.
I used to be self-conscious about my red hair. But with the help of my boyfriend, I now embrace it fully.
I actually feel like being a redhead is a huge part of my personality, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
More on Self-Care:
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4. CRY IT OUT
Whoever said crying makes you weak was an idiot.
I used to be an idiot, because I used to think crying was a weakness and I hardly ever showed emotions.
I made jokes to mask my feelings, and I was just a difficult person to get to know.
Now I feel like the strongest, most authentic people are the ones who let their emotions show.
I love it when people express themselves and say what’s really going on in their heads.
Life is way too short to keep emotions bottled up.
If you’re having a hard time getting the emotional juices flowing, try watching a sad movie, like Marley and Me or Titanic.
Unless you’re a cold-hearted person, that’ll usually do the trick.
5. WATCH DOCUMENTARIES
I learn the most about myself when I’m watching a really thought-provoking documentary.
I love it when I come across things that challenge my point of view on things.
Some documentaries have literally changed my view on life.
I go for documentaries about real life people with real-life stories and problems, like 65_RedRoses and The Hunting Ground.
These are the ones that always strike a chord in me.
By the time the credits roll, I already feel like a different person.
It’s amazing how much we can grow as a person when we embrace change.
Growing and reaching our authentic potential is something I think we should all strive for.
More on documentaries:
6. GET RID OF TOXICITY
Negativity surrounds us all, but a lot of this negativity is unnecessary.
The people we surround ourselves with have a huge impact on our mental health, and not everyone in our life is going to be beneficial for our life.
This means we must get rid of toxic people in our lives if we want to reach our greatest authentic self.
Cut ties with people who only bring you down.
This could mean friendships, relationships, and even relationships with family members.
Just because someone was very important to you for a long time doesn’t mean that they should stay in your life.
I know it sucks, and you wish it didn’t have to be this way.
But I promise, you’ll be so much better off without them in the long run.
Finding Your Most Authentic Self
Learning how to be your most authentic self takes a lot of hard work and commitment.
But it’s so unbelievably worth it!
You deserve happiness and peace. You deserve to be your most authentic self.
What ways do you practice being your most authentic self?
Related posts:
- 10 Empowering Songs About Self-Acceptance
- Self-Love Guide for Newbies: You Deserve to be Loved by You
- 6 Self-Care Tips for Introverts to Help You Recharge
- 35 Daily Self-Love Affirmations to Release Your Inner Badass
