Why is authenticity important? Is it just this lovely ideal or is there more to it? Well, based on the name of this blog you’ll no doubt have gathered that I believe authenticity has a major role to play in our happiness. So, let me explain. Authentic living affects all areas of our lives. It affects the way we show up for ourselves and it affects the way we put ourselves out into the world. It affects our relationships, and it affects our perspectives. Simply put, being true to yourself helps you show up as a better person and helps you live a better life. Here are 5 ways that authenticity can lead you to a happier life.
- ## Authenticity and Me
The more you step into your authentic life, the more you learn to trust yourself. ‘She won’t let me down by pretending to be someone she’s not.’ ‘She won’t say yes to signing up for things she doesn’t really want to do, or wear the clothes that make her more acceptable to others’. When this snowball of reliability begins to gather momentum you are on your way to that day, that marvellous day when you realize that you can rely on yourself. You learn to trust yourself to have your back and that is priceless! The next time you wander why is authenticity important, take a look at your reflection and ask yourself ‘why is lying to the world about my truth a better options?’ Short answer. It isn’t. You just haven’t figured out how to put yourself first yet.
- ## And Relationships?
When you’re authentic other people know what they see is what they get and they either take it or leave it. You have no more disingenuous relationships because your authenticity serves as a filter. This is a tough one for many but when you realize that weeding out the ‘wrong’ people for you is a good thing you can begin to live into that incredible feeling of freedom that comes from never having to explain yourself. The feeling of being accepted for who you are. I must add a caveat here. Authenticity doesn’t ever equal a lack of compassion or tolerance for other people. This is a growing problem in the world today and my take is, if you want to be accepted for who you are, learn to accept others for who they are too. That is where the change begins. We need to love ourselves, and each other!
- ## No More Self-Denial
This can show up in so many ways. It can be feeling obligated to go to social gatherings when secretly you want to stay home in your pjs. It could be feeling pressure to drink or smoke when your gut is telling you this is not what I want for myself. Or, it could be stopping yourself from buying that funky pair of jeans because you just know your ‘friends’ are going to look at you funny. Maybe if you can’t wear jeans you love in their company it’s not a great fit? Excuse the pun. This is where you ask yourself, would I be happier going to the event or wearing the uninspired clothing OR would I be happier doing what feels natural and right to me? Learn to ask yourself these questions. Learn to listen to what feels in alignment with your true nature instead of following along down the same worn-out old path that everyone else is treading.
- ## Living According to your Values
This is something people don’t often think about and that is whether or not we are living according to our personal values. Let’s take an example of a toxic work environment. If one of your highest values is peace, you are not living an authentic life by working in a toxic environment are you? The same would apply if one of your values is honesty and people are constantly talking badly about each other behind their back. When you know yourself and ask why is authenticity important in my life, you can begin to take stock of which areas of your life are being affected by this. You can begin to make changes that allow you to be true to yourself.
- ## Feeling Seen
We’ve spoken about the hurdle that is ‘social acceptance’, and it is a hurdle because at our core we want to belong. We need to be part of something, part of a community. Accepted and loved by the people in our lives. So, if being our true selves threatens that sense of belonging and security we don’t want any part of it! And, of course that makes total sense. But, what we don’t realize is that we are more likely to have regrets on our death bed that we denied ourselves than that we denied the social norm! Does it involve being brave and standing up for what you believe in? Absolutely! But, once you have decided that being authentic (and happy) is more important than the uncomfortable feeling of being judged by others (because remember, if they’re inclined to judge they’ll do it either way), you take your power back and step into a life by your own design. And, then! That is when the good stuff happens. That is when your ‘people’ see your lighthouse on the hill. And, that is when you find your real home.
So, why is authenticity important?
Because, without it you live this one precious life as a lie. You pretend. You hide. And, can you ever really live up to your full potential if you aren’t allowing yourself to be fully you? Take some time to write a list that describes you. What you love, your personality traits, your quirks, your strengths, how you handle your emotions, if you’re introverted or extroverted etc. Have a good look at this list and ask yourself if you are being authentic in your own life. Remember, no one else can create an authentic existence for YOU. And, if your happiness is dependent on being true to yourself what are you waiting for? Steph x If you enjoyed this blog, head over and check out this one: Finding Joy in the Little Things JOIN OUR COMMUNITY! 
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