I am seven years old. I’m driving with my dad on a long journey, and I am aware that I am not speaking very much, and I apologise to him. He says to me don’t worry old boy, if you haven’t got anything to say then don’t say it. It seemed like pretty good advice to me.
Fast forward to a time when I am 11 years old sitting around a dining room table with my parents, brothers, and grandparents. I am feeling the same I don’t really have much to say. And suddenly out of nowhere my dad launches at me: don’t just sit there contribute to the conversation he says. I’m perplexed. A memorable family drama ensues with me rushing out of the room in floods of tears and my grandmother giving my father the death stare as she goes up to comfort me.
Being human is hard, isn’t it? In our own way we are all navigating We are navigating, in every moment, through a terrible, beautiful, confusing landscape that is called ‘being human.’ I am sure I have done similar to my children, without meaning to.
In a world where societal pressures and expectations often dictate our actions and choices, living authentically can feel like a distant dream. Yet, it is precisely in embracing our true selves that we find the key to genuine happiness and fulfillment. People will react how they will react, life happens!
Living authentically means honouring our values, passions, and beliefs, regardless of external influences. It’s about living in alignment with our innermost truths, rather than conforming to the standards set by others.
Authenticity is not about being perfect or adhering to a predefined set of norms; rather, it’s about embracing our imperfections and embracing our unique quirks. When we live authentically, we cultivate a deep sense of self-acceptance and self-love, which forms the foundation for a meaningful and purposeful life. Whilst this was hard, I learned a valuable lesson: I cannot control others reactions, but I can control what I do and say and how I react, although that has taken time!
One of the fundamental aspects of living authentically is self-awareness. It requires introspection and reflection to understand our deepest desires, fears, and motivations. By developing a keen understanding of ourselves, we can identify the values and beliefs that resonate most with us, guiding our decisions and actions in a way that feels true and genuine.
Being authentic requires courage and resilience, as it often means going against the grain and facing criticism or judgment from others. However, the rewards of living authentically far outweigh the risks, as it allows us to live with integrity and purpose.
In conclusion, living authentically is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace our true selves.
If this kind of topic appeals to you, why not come to an authentic experience at one my Naked Speaker events. It’s called, Peeling Back the Layers: Unmasking Fear by Navigating the world with Courage and Authenticity.
Here’s the invite to the next one: https://qkt.io/cWs5O9
Don’t take care – take a risk!
Si.
P.S. Find out your Mojo score by completing the anonymous 2-minute Mojo-Meter here:
