Living An Authentic Life 1 | Page 12

• Fostering an Open Mind. Authenticity best flourishes when we choose to experience the world as a whole, from a variety of different perspectives. When our thinking is rigid, we impose limitations upon ourselves that does not allow for much growth. It places us in one particular way of thinking and a result, one narrow way of viewing the world. This limited mindset stops us from being able to experience life fully or interacting with people who may not fit the rules that we adhere to. In turn, this stops us from revealing our authentic selves. That’s why we want to make a commitment to ourselves every day to consider each situation from as many viewpoints as we can. Having an open mind allows us to welcome personal growth, take constructive criticism and find wisdom in each experience. • Recognizing Your Inner Wisdom. Authenticity can also make you feel vulnerable, but at the same time it grants you access to your inner voice. This is the voice of truth that rings inside of you. It is the trusted influence that tells you things will be okay and that you will persevere. You may know it as your intuition and when you listen closely, it will guide you towards happiness and living the most magnificent life possible. • Knowing When You’re Being Unauthentic. We all encounter moments wherein we act or speak in a way that is unauthentic of who we are. We want others to like us or think highly of us so we present a false persona. Other times we do so because we feel unsafe, awkward or desperate in some way. It can be frustrating when this happens, and sometimes even painful. When we are unauthentic with ourselves because we’re hiding and afraid to admit something difficult, then it limits us indefinitely. Fortunately, acknowledging when we we’re untrue to ourselves and the reason behind doing so, moves us further along the path of leading a life you truly admire. [ 12 ] l i v i n g a n a u t h e n t i c l i f e CC B Y - NC - N D 4 . 0