Living Your Truth

Do you sometimes feel like something’s missing?

A part of you or something from your life? I don’t mean your bank balance or anything like that. I mean something much deeper.

A feeling like part of you is not whole and complete? Like you’re not living your truth?

If you get me, you’re certainly not alone. I’ll vouch that most of us feel this missing element.

It’s that thing we’re constantly searching for amidst all the self development we do. And that missing element is the real you!

Being Yourself

Living your truth, aka living authentically to who you are, isn’t all that common. Crazy, I know!

Life throws its curveballs, and we shrink down to fit it, rather than elevating ourselves and raising the bar higher.

The thing is, life is exactly what it is. How you see life is different from the life you’re actually living.

Bare with me on this!

You’ve adapted, tweaked, and moulded yourself into someone who fits the character of you. Who’s accepted by those who love and know you.

This is shaped by your past experiences, parents, siblings, friends, whatever happened to you in school, and many other factors besides.

All of it shapes and makes you into who you are.

Yet your true self is underneath all this.

It’s always there. Hidden beneath reams of stories and brick walls you build to protect yourself.

Who is my Authentic Self?

When we follow the bullsh*t rules society places on us, we lose ourselves.

We try and please others, and go against our true selves, which causes us to get hurt even more. We tend to avoid conflict or rejection, and in doing so, we lose elements of our authentic self.

But the loss is never permanent. You are there, and it’s important you do the work to find your truth and live authentically, so you can complete that missing element.

Living authentically simply means living according to what’s most valuable to you.

What lights you up?

What makes your heart sing?

What’s your biggest truth?

What do you feel strongly about?

What would you do if no-one or no-thing could stop you?

We tend to ‘play it safe’ and live too much in our comfort zone. It’s easier and quieter to do that, and if that’s your thing, don’t bother reading any more here!

But if you’re after some real life guidance on living your truth and finding your authentic self, read on.

Finding Your Authentic Self

First, you need to ask yourself some powerful questions to find what’s authentic to you and where you’re currently not living your truth. You’ll know, as it’ll be things which your gut tells you isn’t right.

Never ignore gut feelings, as this is the real you talking!

You also need to spend time on your own, away from outside influences.

A journaling practice is good to start getting your authenticity back.

Check out my ebook on journaling if you’ve never done it or want to learn how to get the best results.

Telling the Truth

The other way (and this is tough) is to simply start being honest where you’ve not been honest! This leads to full authenticity and integrity.

Are there phone calls you need to make to get something straight with someone?

Can you have an honest conversation with someone you’ve hurt and apologise?

Can you tell that secret you’ve been holding onto for so long?

When we live our truth, we tell the truth.

Authenticity is a natural by-product of this.

We are fully being ourselves when we’re being straight, upfront, with no bullsh*t. And the bonus is, there’s no time wasted. You are simply, deliciously being you!

Now you may think you can’t tell the truth because it’ll cause hurt to someone else. Yes, in theory, but it’s mainly hurting you.

There is a level of responsibility here, and you need to take responsibility for yourself if you wish to live authentically.

You must be prepared to ruffle some feathers (potentially), but believe me, your authenticity will be so much more appreciated compared to treading on eggshells your whole life.

And herein lies the truth.

People you know and love also know and love you very much.

And this means they want what’s best for you! And what’s best for you is your true self.

See how it’s all related?

What Do You Really Want?

You also need to ask yourself, “What do I want my life to be like?”

You can journal on this question, or make yourself a vision board! Set up your absolute dream life and create it on paper, stick it on your wall and focus on working towards it every day.

This will help you live your truth and develop your authentic self. Remember, she’s there – you just need to let her out!

Once you’ve designed your ideal life, it’s important to set goals to get you there.

A great book that I always recommend for goal setting is this one.

Goals sometimes freak people out, but that’s so wrong!

Goals should be inspiring and motivating, not laborious and time zapping, so make sure you’re setting the right goals for you, and not what you think everyone expects of you or wants you to do.

Remember, this is your life, we’re talking about!

You Time

I’ve mentioned spending time on your own as one of the ways to develop your authentic self. But this must be intentional time well spent. It’s no good watching Netflix to kill the time!

Get interested in yourself and ask the right questions to develop living your truth.

Buy yourself a nice notepad and pen and light a candle. Set the scene properly, so you feel the right vibe. This post may help you with this.

The reason alone time is necessary is it cuts out noise, leaving space for you to expand and develop your authentic self. You’re not at the mercy of other people’s opinions and judgements when you’re on your own. It’s you and only you.

And when you have that time alone, do something you’d love to do!

Whether it’s having a bath, a good book, painting your nails, whatever it is, make sure it’s something that’s indulgent so you get in touch with that feeling of being worthy from within.

Alone time will help you develop your truth, particularly if you spend it productively, with indulgence, or by writing down goals, journaling and reflecting on how far you’ve come.

Here are some prompts to get you started. And most importantly, enjoy getting to know your real self through this alone time!

Journal Prompts For Living Your Truth

What really bugs me?

How do I want my life to be different?

Am I living my dream life every day?

Who have I not been honest with? Can I be honest from now on?

What have I been hiding from people?

If money was no object, what would I do?

If time was infinite, would I do things differently?

I hope this post has been helpful, and that you start living your truth RIGHT NOW! Pop a comment and let me know!