Let Your Authentic Self Shine

Most people at some point change something about ourselves in the hope of being better liked or accepted by others. Whether it’s a group of friends, a potential romantic partner, or the manager at work, there is constant pressure to conform and fit in. But in the long run, does this help? The truth is: it really doesn’t.

The notion of simply being your authentic self is challenging in an era where everyone seems to be seeking approval and attention. Therefore, the authentic self or the true version of our soul is something one hardly sees in the digital era of social media, influencers, likes, and followers.

However, we may think that a person we see online is someone others won’t like. Maybe our internal critic sees that person as ‘too much’ of something or ‘not enough’ of another. But we are often mistaken, as someone being true to themselves and keeping it real is what most people are spontaneously drawn to.

You might feel like you’re the only strange person at work, or the black sheep of your family, but you’re not the only one. There are thousands of ‘odd’ people out there right now with the same doubts as you!

The old saying ‘there’s a lid for every pot’ is always good to keep in mind. Your authentic self is just what someone else has been looking for. If you feel you don’t fit in with the crowd, take a step back and ask yourself whether you truly want to be part of it anyway? Knowing your true value and finding the things most important to you, will help determine who you want to surround yourself with.

It’s also important to set healthy boundaries. If you feel peer pressured into joining a group, or liking something simply to fit in, ask yourself if this is true to your core. Does it resonate with your authentic self?

Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, “This is the real me,” and when you have found that attitude, follow it ~ William James

When you become more comfortable in your own truth, an amazing thing happens. You will increasingly begin to draw people and things to you that are ‘on your frequency.’ Like attracts like. If your authentic self is set free and not held back by others’ expectations and demands, you have a much better chance of drawing like-minded souls to you. It also helps if you really yourself, as positivity always acts as a magnet.

It’s impossible to be liked or accepted by everyone we meet. What is not impossible is the idea that we will be embraced by those who truly matter to us – our ‘kindred spirits.’ Letting your authentic self shine, instead of constantly pursuing the approval of others, is a sign of great spiritual maturity.

Liberating your authentic self is an ongoing process, and our critical inner voice never goes away. Once we free our core truth, it will continue to grow stronger, and our healthy self-esteem along with it. Just like the elements in chemistry, it is the purest essence of who we are.