On Becoming Your Authentic Self
People talk about living a happy life, a successful life, a meaningful life.
But how about living an authentic life?
Just as there can be so many definitions of a successful life, there can be measured with the yardstick of material success, fame, fortune, career accomplishment, a happy family life, the pursuit of creative excellence, or taking up a worthy cause that makes others happy – there can be so many parameters for defining an authentic life. That’s because the word ‘authentic’ can mean different things to different people.
We are so unique in our biological inheritance and social upbringing that we don’t always want the same things from life or even at different points in the same lifespan. What makes me happy; may not necessarily be your idea of happiness, success or whatever. Happiness or success can be anything you want them to be. Indeed, success is achieving missions and goals measured your standard. It satisfies and fulfils your appetite. In contrast an authentic life is finding, embracing and living life in a way that brings peace, joy, happiness and contentment. For some it may take a short time to attain that level, for others it may not happen within a lifetime and for others it is a work in progress.
Each person must define what authentic life means to him/her. For me, being authentic means being true to myself, while walking and living the truths and vision I intentionally cultivate within myself.
For truths and values are to be practiced and lived upon and not just believed in. Visions are to be acted upon, not just dreamt and nurtured. Being authentic means knowing yourself, trusting yourself and honoring the impulses and thoughts that define you. Being authentic means listening within to hear the truth that you want to live by, all your life.
Something deep inside you must resonate fully with this truth. And once you have discovered these truths, the idea is to bring them to life by imbibing them into your daily routine. This you can do by consciously practicing those truths.
Indeed living an authentic life implies just that – believing in a belief; and them making a commitment to act on that belief.
