Becoming your authentic self requires self-discovery, self-acceptance, inner growth, and intentional action. I began my journey a couple of years ago after my mother’s sudden passing. I’m in my late 50s, so you might wonder why I bother.
My life has been filled with challenges, including a volatile childhood, infertility issues, a divorce, my only child involved in a serious car accident, and most recently, my mother’s death. The emotional pain after her passing triggered memories from which I had not fully recovered. I may share more about that someday. For now, I want to share some tips that have helped me become more authentic than I ever imagined possible.
As for personal growth and emotional intelligence, I believe they should remain a continuous effort. As long as there is room for improvement, no one should stop striving to become their best selves. And when you are confronted with new emotional or physical challenges that require greater resilience, you’ll know yourself well enough to navigate through those challenges with courage, confidence, and clarity. Maintaining healthy mental well-being throughout your life will enable you to continue learning, developing, and updating tools and techniques to overcome setbacks. These don’t have an expiration date.
1. Acknowledging and accepting your past. The experiences you have had, both the good and the bad, have shaped who you are today. Accepting them as part of this journey is very important. Practicing self-compassion and forgiveness helps you feel better about yourself and others. Remember that you are not defined by your past.
2. Understanding who you are. Discover the things that are most important to you, your core values, the things that excite you, and acknowledge imperfections and shortcomings without judgment. Take a moment to consider societal, familial, or cultural expectations that have influenced you positively or negatively.
3. Cultivating Self-awareness and Inner Peace. You can start by practicing mindfulness, which is being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them. Make gratitude a daily habit. Maintain a journal. In addition to clarifying my thoughts, this practice created a storyboard, which revealed a lot about me. Take a few minutes each day to meditate, or simply sit quietly and ground yourself.
4. Prayer and affirmations. Align your mindset with your higher self and inner truth. The power of prayer can help you relax and release control to something greater than yourself. You can feel connected to a higher power, feel hopeful, and experience gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, love, and hope. When you use affirmations, you can overcome negative thoughts and become more positive.
5. Integrating divination methods of your choice. Using divination methods can help you connect with your inner truth and uncover insights about your authentic self. You can use tarot cards and oracle cards to guide introspection by sending symbolic messages to your subconscious. Interpreting dreams: Dreams often reflect unprocessed emotions and insights about your deeper self. Although not a traditional divination method, shadow work explores your suppressed or hidden sides to embrace who you are.
6. Take action despite your fears. Growth often requires discomfort and stepping outside your comfort zone, but it is important to embrace these challenges as they push you closer to your goal. Don’t be afraid to make decisions, express your feelings, and do whatever resonates most with the person you are at your core.
7. Always be honest with yourself and others. Be kind and considerate even when communicating your truth and feelings. Protect your time and energy by setting healthy boundaries. If it doesn’t serve you, say no to it.
8. Be open to growth, and change, and trust the process. As you begin to embark on new experiences, allow yourself to evolve at your own pace. Be patient with setbacks and celebrate your progress. Being authentic is a lifelong journey.
9. Reassess regularly. Check your goals, actions, and values periodically to ensure they are aligned. Discover new interests, ideas, and opportunities.
10. Embrace and support the new you by surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. Connect with those who encourage your journey or seek mentors who model self-awareness and authenticity.
Feel free to reach out to me if you need assistance navigating this journey. Please visit my website at www.talaverallc or contact me at rdtalavera@gmail.com.
I wish you all the best on your journey to becoming your best self. Best wishes.