What Does It Mean To Be Authentic?
Sep 14, 2023A New Look at Authenticity
In a world where authenticity is prized like never before, it's also become a sort of buzzword that can resonates with almost anyone, authentic or not.
We hear it in self-help books, motivational speeches, passionate rants, and on social media platforms, often accompanied by carefully selected images of people claiming to have found their "authentic selves."
But let's talk about it, do we truly understand what authenticity means, and are we all on the right path to uncovering it in our own lives?
The Importance of Authenticity
Why does authenticity matter so much in our lives? It's not just about being true to yourself, or the version of you that you think you are. Authenticity goes beyond that; it's about living a life in alignment with the unique design and wiring that God has given you. This alignment is what connects you with and clarifies the expression of your essence.
"When aligned with your original design, authenticity, fulfillment and true success will be found." - Qiana Nicole Wilson
When you embrace your authentic self, you create a profound sense of inner harmony. You no longer have to wear masks or pretend to be someone you're not to fit in with societal expectations.
Authenticity liberates you from the burden of conforming to external pressures, allowing you to live a life that feels genuine and fulfilling. It also fosters deeper and more meaningful connections with others, as people are drawn to your sincerity and openness.
In essence, authenticity empowers you to lead a life that resonates with your true essence, bringing you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose that is uniquely yours.
Common Misconceptions:
Now, here's where things get interesting. Authenticity is often misunderstood and misinterpreted in ways that can lead us down the road of inauthenticity. Many people think they've found it, only to realize they've been chasing a mirage down the wrong road.
Why? Because authenticity isn't about presenting a curated version of ourselves on social media or conforming to the latest trends in self-improvement. It's far more profound and rooted in the essence of who we are. But you have to explore and discover the nuances of your design to meet the essence of who you are to fully understand this.
Debunking 5 Most Common Myths About Authenticity:
Myth #1: Authenticity is about being unfiltered and raw on social media.
Some believe that authenticity equates to sharing every unfiltered thought. While being open and honest is important, authenticity goes beyond outbursts of opinions.
Myth #2: Authenticity means conforming to the latest self-help trends.
There's a misconception that following the latest self-help trends or walking someone else's path will lead to authenticity. In reality, it's about discovering your own unique journey and removing your own layers that do not belong.
Myth #3: Authenticity is a fixed state of being, unchanging and unwavering.
Some think that once you've found your authentic self, that's it. But authenticity is a dynamic process of unfolding that you are experiencing with God on a beautiful journey of self-discovery. There is no place of arrival in the earth realm.
Myth #4: Authenticity is all about self-expression, regardless of consequences.
Authenticity doesn't mean disregarding the impact of your words and actions on others. It's about being true to yourself while seeing, hearing, valuing and respecting others.
Myth #5: Authenticity is an all-or-nothing concept.
Many believe that you must completely overhaul your life to be authentic. It's actually about aligning with your values and unique design while recognizing that life is a journey of growth and a collection of moments of self-discovery.
Discovering The Real You:
Now, let's get to the heart of it. Authenticity is recognizing the intricate details woven into your design by God. God intentionally crafted these elements within you, and they are vital parts of your original recipe for authentic expression. Anything added or taken away disrupts the authentic flavor.
Peeling Away the Layers:
But here's the thing, my friend – most people think they know who they are, but I would strongly argue that most people don't. Many have come to a false conclusion about their true selves, shaped by a multitude of factors like upbringing, past traumas, disappointments, areas of recognition or praise and societal standards.
It's crucial to understand that none of these external influences actually define who we are at our core; they only influence how our true selves are expressed.
You see, upbringing molds us, experiences shape us, and societal standards can be imposing, but they don't constitute the essence of our being. They are like brushes that paint over the original canvas.
