Are You Living an Authentic Life? Here are 10 Ways to Start Now!

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*Updated February 2024

Are you living an authentic life? Being authentically you results in a happier, more successful life! So, what does this truly mean?

Living an authentic life means that your thoughts, beliefs, actions, and intentions are aligned. And, because life is fluid, as you evolve and change, these things will, too.

Awakening to the Truth

At a challenging stage of my life, I realized that I had been following a path that was not deeply my own. After some contemplation, I realized I had based my decisions on what I thought I should do, essentially ignoring my own inner voice. And, this took me off of my true path.

So, I decided it was time to make some purposeful changes in order to create a life that was aligned to my authentic self.

Here’s what changed:

• I stopped trying to fit in.
• I got comfortable setting boundaries.
• I stopped doing things just because everyone else was doing them.
• I embraced my true nature as an introvert.
• I’m okay expressing my feelings, even when I know people may not agree or understand.
• I am grateful for my journey.
• I accept myself, flaws and all!

Now, I’m living an authentic life on my terms. I’m learning to embrace my unique journey and I help empower others to do the same!

Are You Living an Authentic Life? Here are 10 Ways to Start Now!

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Create a Strong Foundation

Be Your Own Best Friend

Having a healthy relationship with self is key to living an authentic life. An effective way to do this is to sit in stillness. Underlying emotions will come to the surface. Allow yourself to feel these emotions even if they are uncomfortable.

Release Inner Pain

Don’t be afraid to acknowledge emotional wounds. Crying can actually be a great way to purge your emotions. But, set a time limit; you don’t want to dwell too long in that state. Also, acknowledge that you have been carrying around unhealed pain. This is the first step to true healing.

Check in with yourself about everything. Ask yourself, “How do I feel about this situation/event/person?” And, do it often. Then, accept whatever you’re experiencing. This is also a powerful way to raise your self-esteem. Learning to honor your inner knowing is an important part of increasing joy and creating an authentic life!

10 Ways to Live an Authentic Life

Here are ten specific ways to start living an authentic life now!

1. Don’t allow the fear of failure to stop you.

Mistakes and even failures are a part of life. More importantly, they are a pathway to growth and expansion. Without them, you wouldn’t be challenged to change!

Failing simply means that you tried something new and difficult. And, that means that you have courage! These experiences bring you closer to living your most authentic life, so be brave even when it’s hard. You can do it.

2. Know that you will have a difficult time relating to people (just for a while).

When you live an authentic life, the world will look different. Living a life aligned with your truth gives you a new perspective. You will laugh more easily and be quick to forgive. And, everything just seems less heavy and serious. Whereas you once saw a problem or obstacle, you will now see opportunity!

Ironically, this new attitude makes it harder, not easier, to communicate with others. That’s because most people aren’t consciously aware of their thoughts, and therefore, they live at the level of ego .

So, when you hear someone gossiping or putting another person down, that’s the ego in action. And, you won’t be interested in these conversations any longer. This may cause you to feel a bit separate or isolated for a while. But, don’t worry, it will pass.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. Be okay when things fall part.

Quite often, as you evolve, life will get harder, not easier. But, only for the short term. For instance, the people who no longer belong in your life will disappear and new people will show up. A relationship may end or you may change jobs.

This can be a nerve-wracking or painful time, but keep the faith. The Universe is giving you the exact experience you need to level up. This experience will help you to create an authentic life that reflects exactly who you are.

When I experience these shifts in my life, I use the mantra: Everything works out for my highest good. Then, I move forward in faith.

4. Stop and smell the roses.

When you’re living an authentic life, you enjoy everything more deeply because you’re fully in the moment. You’ll spend less time entertaining thoughts of the past or worrying about the future.

As a result, life flows more easily. The things that once made you angry or frustrated, won’t register anymore. Living in the present increases the quality of your life and is a wonderful way to connect to your authentic self.

5. Don’t lie to yourself or others.

When you’re living an authentic life, there is no reason to lie because you honor your inner knowing. Therefore, you communicate honestly because you aren’t worried about what other people think. And, most importantly, you do not lie to yourself.

“I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.”

Oprah Winfrey

6. Be more tolerant and compassionate.

An authentic person has compassion for others, and therefore, is more tolerant and kind. Instead of judging, gossiping, or complaining, you more readily accept everything for what it is.

Being connected to your higher self causes you to feel a deeper kinship with everyone around you. When others behave badly or unkindly, you won’t feel the need to judge. You don’t have to take their behavior personally because you know that they have their own path to follow.

However, if their behavior is destructive or hurtful, send them love and keep your distance.

7. Appreciate nature.

All living things are unique expressions of the one Universal source (God, the Universe). While walking in the woods or kayaking in a quiet pond, you sense nature’s impressive energy. And, its powerful presence speaks to your deepest self and the humanity we all share.

8. Carve out me time.

When you live an authentic life, you’ll need time alone to re-energize your spirit. One of the most loving ways you can do this is by pursuing your passions. You feel most joyful when you do what you love. Think of these activities are food for your soul. Passions like painting, yoga, writing, meditation or any other creative outlet will feed your soul and put you in the flow of life.

9. Know that you already have everything you need to be happy.

Authentic people know the truth: you are the creator of your own reality. Therefore, they cultivate a rich, vibrant inner world. As a result, they operate at a higher frequency where you can attract what you want into your life.

10. Don’t compare yourself to others.

When you live your truth, you realize that everyone is on their own unique journey. We are all here to learn, grow, and experience what we need to for our own expansion. So, there’s no reason to compare, compete, or concern yourself with what other people are doing. And, people with high self-esteem already know this!

Therefore, wish joy for everyone and continue down your own beautiful path. Become that bright light of pure, positive energy that guides the way for other people. Leave everyone you meet with a lasting feel of increase after spending time with you.

An Authentic Life

You are meant to live a life of joy and abundance. So, make the effort to connect to your higher self, and start living the authentic life you deserve. This is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

Everything you have been through has been put there for a reason. Those experiences were all necessary stepping stones to a more evolved and happier you. Now is the time for you to walk in your power and create the authentic life you came here to live!

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Disclosure: Melissa Damiani is a participant in the Routine Probiotics Program an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to merchant, and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking amazon.com. Although I only promote products that I love, use, and have confidence in, always do your own research before purchasing any product or service. Read my disclaimer here.