Simply put, authenticity means honoring and being your true self. 

It involves searching for answers within rather than from outside of yourself.

Beneath your emotions and layers of collected data lies our authentic self.

It will take awareness for you to lean back on your inner truth rather than the opinions of others, the media, and the wider society.

To begin the process of connecting with your happy, joyful, beautiful, and authentic self, keep the following tips in mind:

Forgive Yourself

No one on the planet is perfect, including you. 

While it’s tempting to berate yourself for all the mistakes you have done in the past, you have to remember that you are human and you are not perfect.

Part of being human is learning from all your experiences.

Take consolation in the fact that you did what you thought was best during those times.

Forgiving yourself is one of the kindest things you can ever do for yourself.

Love Yourself

Take all the attention, affection, compliments, and love that you give to the people you love and turn it inwards.

Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, “I love you! You are beautiful, unique, amazing, fabulous!”

Give yourself a wink and a pat on the back.

You deserve your love and acceptance as much as anybody else.

Have Your Own Back

Having your own back means being there for yourself no matter what.

It’s showing up for yourself , like you would for the people you love.

Having your own back also means you do what is right for you.

When things get overwhelming or scary, remind yourself that you are there for yourself and you are not going anywhere.

Put Yourself First

Before deciding on something, ask yourself, “Is this what I truly want?”

If the answer is no and you have doubts, think again.

You have to make yourself your first priority.

You have to take care of yourself first before you can take care of other people.

You have to do what’s best for you and honor and respect yourself before you can share your best self to others.

Listen to Your Body

Your body can help you find the answers you are looking for.

Be mindful when you feel hyper, tense, or fatigued.

Close your eyes and reflect on how you are feeling.

What is your body trying to convey?

Is it asking you to release energy, slow down and rest, or stay away from someone toxic?

Do Something You Have Always Wanted

Is there something you have always wanted but felt like it is not possible yet?

If excuses like it’s too hard, it’s too expensive, it’s too complex, it’s too difficult have stopped you before, consider this your cue to shake things up and give that dream one more go.

Go over your bucket list and pick a dream you have been putting off for one reason or another and go make it happen.

Do What You Love

Schedule at least an hour of “me time” everyday where you can do whatever it is that you want and love guilt free.

Allow yourself to do whatever it is that brings your joy and makes you feel fulfilled.

With all that you have gone through and accomplished, you deserve it.

Over to You

While connecting with your authentic self can seem like a complex undertaking, it is exactly the opposite. Connecting with your authentic self is easy. Start with the tips laid up above and you are a step closer to connecting with your authentic self.