There comes a time when you might find yourself feeling stuck, running on autopilot, and wondering, *Is this it?* Is this how I’m supposed to live my one precious life?
Years ago, I found myself in that exact place—about 15 years into a life that didn’t feel like mine. I was trapped in the rat race, working nonstop, feeling numb. Until one day, I realized something had to change. The first, most important thing I did was reconnecting with my true, authentic self, listening to my inner voice guiding me.
In this blog, we’ll dive into five powerful ways to rediscover your authentic self and start living the life you’re truly meant to live. But first, let’s explore what authenticity really means and why it’s so important.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?
Your authentic self is who you are at your deepest core—free from the layers of conditioning and societal programming. It’s the pure essence of who you were when you came into this world. Living authentically means aligning with that true self, and living in harmony with your core beliefs and values.
Over time, as you grow up, you take on beliefs and expectations from family, society, and even cultural or religious backgrounds. Sometimes, those expectations don’t align with who you truly are, leading to feelings of disconnection or unhappiness. You might find yourself in a job or life that doesn’t fulfill your soul, simply because it meets external expectations.
The protection mechanisms you developed in your childhood to get by in this – sometimes – cruel world can also keep you from living from your heart and showing your true colors.
Today, you are safe and all grown-up. You don’t need the protection anymore; you can handle yourself. So, time to let down the armor.
Why Authenticity Matters
Living authentically is like unlocking the door to your higher self. When you connect with your true values, passions, and desires, life becomes clearer and more meaningful. Decision-making becomes easier because you’re no longer torn between what others expect and what feels right to you. You start making choices that align with your core values, and in doing so, you design a life that reflects who you truly are, leading to deeper happiness, fulfillment, and peace.
Authenticity also fosters creativity and personal growth. When you’re true to yourself, you nurture your unique strengths and talents, instead of chasing after ‘superficial’ achievements that don’t bring long-term satisfaction. It’s easier to get in touch with your purpose, and find meaning in life (meaningful pursuit).
When you’re true to yourself, you also unlock creativity, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. You attract experiences and people that resonate with your soul, and life starts to flow more naturally. You’ll feel more resilient because you’re standing firmly in your truth.
When you live this way, something beautiful happens: you start attracting what truly resonates with you, rather than drawing in things that don’t serve your soul. You’ll find that the people, opportunities, and experiences that align with your authentic self, start to flow into your life naturally.
Realizing you’ve been living someone else’s life can be a hard pill to swallow. But reconnecting to your authentic self doesn’t have to be difficult or heavy. You can make it a fun and beautiful adventure. Ready to start?
One of the most powerful realizations is that you are not your thoughts. Your thoughts stem from your beliefs, which were shaped during childhood by the people around you. Sometimes, these beliefs no longer serve you—or they were never truly yours to begin with. Identifying limiting beliefs and recognizing that your thoughts don’t define you is the first step toward freedom. (If you’d like to dive deeper on this, check out our free e-book here).
Think back to when you were a child. Who were you before the world told you who to be? What brought you joy, what did you dream of, and who did you admire? Reconnecting with that childlike curiosity and sense of wonder can help you rediscover your true essence. It might be as simple as revisiting an old hobby, like drawing, or remembering why certain figures inspired you. Play, explore, and allow your inner child to come to the surface.
What are the things you’re naturally good at? What activities make you lose track of time? These are clues to your authentic self. Embrace these gifts, even if they seem small or unconventional. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your friends—they often see the light in you better than you do. Leaning into what feels natural will guide you toward fulfillment and purpose.
Make a list of what’s truly important to you. Before you begin, take a few deep breaths and settle into your heart space. Then, jot down anything that comes to mind. Once you’ve written everything, narrow it down to five core values that reflect who you are and how you want to live. Use these values as a guide to align both your personal and professional life. They’re a great tool to check whether certain areas of your life are truly aligned with who you are.
Take time each day to sit with yourself, whether through meditation or simply sitting in silence. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and observe what arises within you—without judgment. This practice will not only help you ground and relax, but it will also strengthen your connection to your true inner voice. Over time, your intuition will become louder, guiding you to make decisions from your heart.
Design a life you love
Once you’re more in tune with your authentic self, you can begin to design a life that lights you up—a life that makes your soul shine. Ask yourself: What does my dream life look like? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether it involves travel, a career shift, or simply more time for creativity, the key is to align your actions with your true desires and values.
Living authentically can be liberating, but it can also come with challenges. As you evolve, you may find that some relationships or situations no longer fit. This is part of the process, and it’s okay to feel grief or doubt along the way. The most important thing is to practice self-compassion and trust that living in alignment with your true self will ultimately lead to a life filled with joy, connection, and inner peace.
Embracing Your Unique Journey
Of course, discovering and living authentically isn’t a quick fix. It’s a journey—one that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. It’s a process of peeling back the layers that have built up over the years. Peeling back these layers is a gradual process, and it’s not to be taken lightly. It took years to build up these defenses, so it may take time to dismantle them. Be gentle with yourself as you do this work. Healing is not a linear path; the key is to keep going at your own pace and in a way that feels safe for you. Each step brings you closer to the life you’re meant to live.
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I’m Mo, the dreamer behind The Lemonade Movement.
That little girl with the big dream you read about? Yep, that’s me! And while I’m not so little anymore, my dream of creating a world filled with love and positivity is still that big 😉
