Discover Your Authentic Self: Guide to Living Your Authentic Life

Ever wonder what it really means to be your authentic self? You hear it all the time—be yourself, stay true, live authentically—but what does that even look like in real life?

They say authenticity is one of the highest vibrations, right up there with peace. And when you show up as you—at work, with family, at social gatherings, or even when meeting new people—you feel that peace deep in your bones. No overthinking, no worrying about what others think, just pure, effortless presence.

But let’s be real. Over the years, we’ve picked up so many habits just to get by:

• Smiling through conversations with a difficult boss, because you need that paycheck.
• Saying yes when you really mean no, because you don’t want to upset anyone.
• Filtering what you say in social situations, just to make sure you fit in.
• Beating yourself up about your looks, thanks to unrealistic beauty standards.

Sound familiar?

So, How Do You Even Find the True You?

Unraveling all of this isn’t an overnight thing. It’s a process. But the first step? Curiosity. Instead of judging yourself, get curious. Notice when you’re acting out of habit versus when you’re truly in alignment with who you want to be.

For me, real change always starts with awareness. Ask yourself: Does this action feel like the real me, or am I just going along with it?

Your body will tell you. Pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel light and at ease? Or tense and disconnected? Your heart always knows.

Fear vs. True Alignment With Your True Self

At first, tuning into your heart can feel tricky. What if fear is getting in the way? How do you know if you’re uncomfortable because something is out of alignment—or if it just feels new and scary?

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you’re at a party, and someone asks for a favor. Your default response? Of course! But deep down, you really don’t want to do it. The thought of saying no makes you anxious—maybe your hands even get sweaty.

So what’s really going on?

Is the anxiety telling you that saying no is wrong? Or is it just your subconscious resisting change?

A great question to ask yourself: In the long run, will this action feel empowering and self-loving? If honoring your boundaries brings you more peace, then you’re on the right path.

Start Small, Build Big Connection to Your Authentic Self

Next time you’re in a conversation, check in with yourself:

• Are you agreeing just to keep the peace?
• Are you sugarcoating your truth to fit in?
• Does your heart feel open and at ease, or tight and restricted?

These little moments of awareness add up. The more you tune in, the easier it gets to show up as you.

Be Kind to the “Old You”

Here’s the thing—you didn’t develop these habits for no reason. When you were younger, they probably kept you safe, helped you fit in, and made life easier. But now? They might be holding you back from who you’re meant to be.

So instead of beating yourself up, try this: Thank those old habits for helping you in the past, and let them know you don’t need them anymore.

Finding Your Authentic Self is a Journey, Not a Destination

Living authentically isn’t about getting it “perfect.” It’s about showing up, moment by moment, as the real you. Be patient with yourself. Make it an adventure.

And remember: Every time you choose what aligns with your heart, you’re reinforcing the truth—you are enough, just as you are.

If you're ready for a fast track to uncovering your authentic self, shedding the masks, and truly feeling at home in your own skin, breathwork and coaching can guide you there. Schedule a call, and I'll share the powerful methods I use to help you get there.

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