Living authentically is freedom
Living authentically involves engaging in behaviors and forms of self-care that honor and nourish our whole selves. We can practice this by attending to our physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs in ways that are also in-line with our core values.
Cultivating authenticity requires regularly allowing space for vulnerable self-reflection. This form of self-care can be done through journaling exercises, meditations, and by processing thoughts and feelings verbally with someone you feel emotionally safe with and supported by.
Identifying the core values that one wants to be guided by can be done by considering the things that matter most to you by looking at many possible types of values and prioritizing them by how strongly and passionately you identify with each value. It can be helpful to work on discerning between the social conditioning and expectations that have shaped us, versus the things we truly and authentically align most with on a personal level.
Creating a life that fulfills our deepest personal values can involve considering things such as:
When do I feel most at peace within myself?
What boundaries do I need to put in place to honor myself/my needs?
What can I focus more on (and less on) to help me feel a greater sense of balance or purpose in life?
What behaviors can I practice to nourish myself: physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually?
