A Guide to Self-Discovery

Can we please talk about something that’s been very on my mind lately?

AUTHENTICITY.

This modern world we inhabit is constantly trying to mold us into someone else’s idea of perfection and making us feel awful (and spend money) when we fail to be perfect. Faced with this, it makes embracing your authentic self nothing short of revolutionary.

But what does it mean to be authentic? And how do we even begin to uncover our true selves when we’ve spent so long trying to fit in?

First of all, authenticity does not mean you’ve got it all figured out. Au contraire. It means you are able to be real, even if that is about the fact that you do NOT have it all figured out! It means you are honest with yourself and others about what makes you tick, and you own that truth like a 5-year-old wearing the outfit they picked out all by themselves for school photo day (aka: proudly and with enthusiasm).

We get influenced all day long by algorithms. We can’t tell what’s real anymore in the news, in photos, even in videos.

There is a LOT of noise out there trying to tell you what to like and believe, and it is so easy to just succumb to that.

But you don’t have to.

I would love to invite you into yourself, where you have all the answers you need about what makes you… you.

HERE’S YOUR GUIDE TO EMBARKING ON THIS SELF-DISCOVERY JOURNEY

Grab a journal and a beverage and head to your favorite nook to reflect…

ONE: Recognize and Challenge Societal Conditioning

We’re all shaped by the world around us, often in ways we don’t even realize. The first step to authenticity is becoming aware of the societal expectations, norms, and beliefs that have influenced you.

Ask yourself: Which of my beliefs truly resonate with me, and which ones have I adopted simply because I thought I should?

Challenge the “shoulds” in your life. Every time you catch yourself thinking “I should be/do/want this,” pause and ask, “Says who?” This simple practice can help you differentiate between your authentic desires and societal expectations.

Don’t judge your answers. Just listen to what comes up.

TWO. Explore Your Core Values and Beliefs

Your core values are the compass that guides you towards your authentic self. Take time to identify what truly matters to you. What principles do you want to live by? What brings you a sense of purpose and fulfillment?

Try this exercise: Write down 10 moments in your life when you felt truly alive and aligned. What values were you honoring in those moments? These are clues to your authentic self.

THREE. Embrace Your Unique Qualities and Strengths

Each of us has a unique combination of qualities, strengths, and even quirks that make us who we are. Instead of trying to fit into a mold, celebrate what makes you different.

Make a list of your strengths and unique qualities. Include everything from your skills to your personality traits. How can you incorporate these more fully into your daily life? Remember, what makes you different is what makes you powerful.

FOUR. Practice Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Authenticity requires self-acceptance, and that includes embracing your imperfections. Practice treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a good friend.

When you make a mistake or face a setback, try this self-compassion exercise: Place your hand on your heart and say: “This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need.” (From Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff; I highly recommend her books if you want a deep dive on compassion.)

FIVE. Align Your Actions with Your Authentic Self

Living authentically means walking your talk. Once you’ve identified your values and embraced your unique self, it’s time to align your actions accordingly.

Start small. Choose one area of your life where you feel out of alignment and make a change. It could be setting a boundary, pursuing a passion, or simply expressing your true feelings more often.

These steps may seem super simple, but they aren’t. The fabled “journey of self-discovery” is hard and fraught with landmines that you will learn to navigate. But is also joyous and filled with so many delights along the way.

Stick with it when it gets uncomfortable. It takes time to shed the old inauthentic you and fully step into your truth.

It’s so fucking worth it.

And YOU are so fucking worth it.

When you embrace your authentic self, you give others permission to do the same. You become a beacon of truth in a world that desperately needs it.

So, are you ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery? To peel back the layers and reveal the gorgeous, authentic you that’s been waiting to shine?

I’m here cheering you on every step of the way. Let’s do this, babe!

Ready to dive deeper into your journey of self-discovery? Book a discovery session with me and let’s uncover your authentic self together!