View this email in your browser

Quote of the day:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”

– Bernard M. Baruch

Authenticity

What is it?

Being authentic means being real and true to yourself. It's about being genuine and not pretending to be someone you're not or trying to fit into what others expect. When you're authentic, you're being honest and transparent about who you are, your values, and what you believe in.

I always thought being authentic meant being “honest” and “real” with others, but that is far from the truth. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression that starts from within and radiates outward.

To be authentic, you need to know yourself well and have the guts to be vulnerable. It means being okay with showing your true self, including your strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. It's about accepting and embracing who you are without seeking validation from others or pretending to be someone else.

In today's world, where there's a lot of pressure to conform or put on a perfect image, authenticity is highly valued. It helps you form real connections with people, builds trust, and allows you to grow and find fulfillment. Living an authentic life means staying true to yourself and embracing your own unique identity and journey.

Why does it matter?

Peeling back the layers to find your true self and be authentic is a challenging process that requires self-exploration, introspection, and self-acceptance. It involves unraveling the layers of protection, societal expectations, and past experiences that have shaped your identity. You have to really dig within to find your true, authentic self under the noise and external influence you’ve taken on over the years.

When connecting inwards, authenticity matters for the following reasons:

1. Presence and self-awareness: Authenticity encourages you to be honest with yourself. When you are authentic, you acknowledge and accept your inner reality without judgment or resistance. This self-awareness allows you to connect more deeply with your own thoughts and feelings.

2. Emotional honesty: Authenticity involves embracing and expressing your true emotions. Instead of suppressing or denying them, you acknowledge and accept your feelings without judgment.

3. Letting go of masks and expectations: It means releasing the need to project a certain image. By embracing your authentic self, you free yourself from the burden of trying to meet others' expectations or living up to a false self-image.

4. Cultivating self-compassion: When you are authentic, you treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. You acknowledge your imperfections and vulnerabilities, without judgment or self-criticism.

5. Deepening the inner journey: Authenticity enhances the process of connecting inwards and exploring your inner world. By being authentic, you create a genuine and honest relationship with yourself.

6. Aligning with the present moment: When you are authentic, you let go of regrets about the past or worries about the future. Instead, you embrace the here and now, fully engaging with the present experience.

How to connect inwards?

Becoming more authentic in your everyday life is a internal journey. Here are some ways to be more authentic:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and desires. Consider what truly matters to you and what brings you joy and fulfillment. Reflect on any areas where you may be living out of alignment with your authentic self.

2. Self-acceptance: Practice self-acceptance and embrace all aspects of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. Let go of self-judgment and cultivate self-compassion. Acceptance of yourself as you are is a crucial step towards authenticity.

3. Tune into your intuition: Pay attention to your inner voice and intuition. Trust your instincts and allow them to guide your choices and actions. Your intuition often aligns with your authentic self and can help you make decisions that are true to you.

4. Authentic communication: Practice expressing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly and openly. Share your authentic self with others. Avoid hiding your true thoughts or feelings to please others or avoid conflict. Communicate with integrity and respect.

5. Set boundaries: Establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Learn to say "no" when necessary and prioritize self-care. Respecting your boundaries contributes to living authentically.

6. Embrace vulnerability: Allow yourself to be vulnerable and authentic in your relationships. Share your true feelings, experiences, and aspirations with those you trust.

7. Practice mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness in your daily life by being present and non-judgmental. Notice your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attaching to them or identifying with them.

8. Embody self-expression: Engage in activities that allow you to express your true self and creativity. Whether it's through art, music, writing, or any other form of self-expression, find outlets that enable you to authentically share your unique perspective.

9. Embrace growth and learning: Embrace personal growth and continue to learn about yourself. Be open to exploring new perspectives, challenging beliefs, and expanding your understanding of the world. This ongoing growth journey supports your authenticity and helps you evolve as an individual.

Be patient and compassionate with yourself along the way, and embrace the opportunity to live a life that is true to who you are.

Weekly coupon code:

Spring Forward Planner:

Use our planner to practice daily mindfulness and connect inwards.

Shop Now

Copyright (C) Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe