At the Very Heart of Who You Are Is Your Authenticity

Just as sea glass is smooth and polished by the coursing of the waves against the shore, YOU are shaped and polished by each changing season, ocean tides and changing shores.

At the very heart of who you are is your authenticity. It starts in your heart and is your most precious commodity. It is the spark you are born with. To be in connection with your true essence is to honor the spark within, often dimmed by past hurts or living life on autopilot. It is the awareness of your beliefs, needs and values and making decisions from that place. 

"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen."  ~Brene Brown

When we are being true and authentic, we are able to live wholehearted lives, holding nothing back. We let no one else define us and become the curators of our destinies. Only when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable can we feel our emotions, believe in our strengths, and express ourselves freely. 

Think for a moment about what being authentic feels like to you. Chances are you have made time for yourself to stop and smell the roses, to slow down enough to quiet the noise of a busy world – to listen to your needs – and ask yourself what it is you really want. 

• When do you feel most authentic?
• How can you check in with yourself daily?
• What have you allowed to be in your way of doing what it is you want?
• How can you be even just a little bit more authentic?
• What emotions are you resisting?
• Who can you be your truest self with?

May the following be gentle reminders of living your most authentic life:
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• Explore your values
• Know your wants and desires
• Say goodbye to perfectionism
• Know and embrace your strengths
• Express yourself – Speak from a place of truth and positive intention
• Open your mind  – Silence the inner critic, let go of judgment and have compassion for yourself and others
• Open your heart – Let down the walls you think are protecting you
• Allow yourself to be vulnerable
• Don't allow goals to interfere with your values

It takes courage to live authentically and grow into the best version of yourself. Keep going!