We hear the word “Authenticity” a lot these days. It’s so hard to know what our authentic self looks like though. How do we know when we’re pursuing something that’s true to who we are? I mean, all of the things are interesting, right?
How can we be sure we’re in alignment with our highest selves and not simply imitating that which we admire? It can be hard to differentiate but once you understand who you really are, the world opens up for you to pursue you’re purpose.
Grab your journal (or simply a piece of paper) and let’s dive into some journaling exercises to find your authentic self!
Our Ideal Self = Our Authentic Self
On your paper, I want you to detail out your ideal self and life. Create an overview of what your ideal story would look like, feel like, be like. Details are important so try and answer all of the questions below:
– What do you look like?
– What do you wear?
– What do you eat?
– Where do you work?
– How is your commute?
– How are your interactions with others throughout the day?
– What do you do in your spare time?
– What does your morning routine / bedtime routine look like?
– How do you feel?
– How do you feel?
– How do you feel?
That last one is important. We think we want XYZ but the truth is that it’s emotions that drive us. It’s the emotion we think that XYZ is going to bring us that we’re really seeking.
Detail it all out. As much as you possibly can.
This is your true, authentic self. This picture you’ve created is who you really are on the inside.
Our goal from here on out is bringing this vision to life. It doesn’t matter how far away it may seem right now. Put it on your fridge and let’s stay focused. We have the rest of our lives to make it happen. Are you committed to yourself?
I’d love to see a picture of your description on your fridge! (Or anywhere else you’ll see it often) Tag me on either Instagram or Twitter!
What do you want and who is the person who gets that type of life / thing?
- Who is this person in this ideal life?
- What is their confidence level?
- What do they know?
- What do they believe?
- How are their mannerisms?
- What are their habits?
- Who is the type of person that has the ideal life you dream of?
- How do you become them?
There may be some things we need to work through or learn in order to become them. What is it?
Childhood History Exercise
We are born our ideal, best and authentic selves. We are born knowing who we are and what we want (more or less). It’s outside influences that teach us to doubt and change.
- Who were you when you were a child?
- Before you learned social conditioning.
- Before you were told how to think, act and be.
- Before people imposed their own beliefs and desires.
- Before you were discouraged to be yourself.
- What did you like?
- What did you want?
- What were you into?
- What did you do?
- What all do you need to unlearn?
- If you could speak to yourself as a child, what would you say?
- What would you reassure them of?
- What would you encourage them to do?
- Who would you encourage them to be?
What’s your story?
Knowing where we came from and why we are the way we are can help us understand who we are and how to change the aspects of ourselves that we don’t like.
What characteristics do you dislike about yourself? Not physical. We’re talking personality, habits, lifestyles, etc.
- Where did these things come from?
- Did you inherit them from someone else?
- Did something in your life cause you to behave this way?
The things that have happened to you in your life:
- Did they teach you anything?
- Did they shape you?
- Did they influence you?
- Can you find positive at all in them?
- Are they still holding you back?
- Can you find forgiveness?
The more we sit around and think about who we are and why we are, the more we understand ourselves and our place in this world. This will help us to identify what thoughts and beliefs are beneficial for us to hold onto and which ones need to be reworked and healed.
Once you identify WHAT needs healing, you can begin working towards healing it.
No one thing defines us. We’re masterfully undefinable. Vast and forever adding more puzzle pieces to the story that is us. Resist the human urge to box and label yourself. Allow fluidity and duality.
Your story up until this point has been one thing and it’s up to you to decide what the next chapter holds.
Affirmations for story
- I create my own life
- I write my own story
- Everything and everyone in my life is here to teach me
- I will not be shackled by one page or chapter of my story
- I break free from anything holding me back
- My story is beautiful and important
- My story is unlike any other’s
What positive affirmation can you come up with that fits what you need?
A Branding Exercise
We’re going to design your brand. As if you had a business. After all, a business brand is just an extension of the person who runs it.
A good brand comes from clarity in who you are. This way, everything matches. There’s a flow and a story to everything your business does.
In people without a business, a brand can be a useful tool in staying authentic to yourself.
- What colors do you associate with your life?
- What words?
- What feelings?
- What objects or images?
- How do you want people who interact with you to feel?
- What’s your mission statement?
Create a pinterest board for your pretend brand. Add things to it that are “on brand” for you!
Don’t over think it or take it too seriously. It’s meant to be fun!
Meditate on Your Authentic Self
I want you to meditate on it. All of these exercises are designed to get the gears turning in the right direction but sitting around meditating on the “Who am I?” and the “Why am I?” is the only ways you’re REALLY going to get to the bottom of it.
Stick with it. Meditation takes time to get the hang of. You’ll have to practice until the answers come to you but trust that if you stay diligent, they absolutely will.
Find a comfortable position, close your eyes and relax your body.
Straight spine, shoulders back and down, breathing into your belly and with each exhale, sinking a little more into your chair.
Begin to imagine your ideal life. See yourself waking up in the morning in it. How does it feel? What does it look like?
See yourself going through your morning routine. Don’t rush it. The magic is in all of the details, remembering to stay in touch with the emotions moment by moment.
Go throughout your whole ideal day. See yourself in every piece of it. Feel yourself want it in your heart and soul.
Take as much time as need in this practice. Come back to it every day and repeat it if you can. Hold this vision close to you and allow it to help you make decisions in your now life.
Every time you do, think, speak or decide, ask yourself “Is this something my ideal self would do, say, choose?”
If you’re immediately met with a “Hell yeah” then follow it. If you’re met with uncertainty or a no, choose another path.
Focus on this exercise. I can’t stress that enough. Use it all day, every day.
Loving Your Authentic Self
Take out a piece of paper and write down everything you like about yourself.
- What are your positive characteristics? (loyalty, trustworthy, positive, etc)
- What are you interested in? (Because isn’t it great when you find someone who likes the same things you do!?)
- What are some of your favorite things? (Specific songs, food, books, movies, etc)
- What do you like in your kids / parents / grandparents / siblings / etc that you, yourself also have? (characteristics, physical aspects, interests, mannerisms, etc)
- What’s something you admire about your zodiac sign? (Bonus points if you can find something about your sun, moon and rising signs)
- What physical aspects do you like about yourself?
Now list out things you don’t like about yourself.
- Why?
- Is this your opinion or someone else’s?
- When and where did you first learn this is “bad”?
- How can you change it?
- If you can’t change it, how can you come to be okay with / like it?
Self love is the basis of finding your authentic self. The more you become your ideal self, the more you’ll love who you are and that is the essence of authenticity.
Check out Magnificence Illuminated for more hands on exercises like these to help you love who you are.
Prioritizing Your Authentic Self
I want you to take out a piece of paper and write down all of your priorities in a single column. In a 2nd column, write down all of the ways you spend your time. Do they match? Does anything need reworking?
Other Things That Can Help You Find Your Authentic Self
There are a number of tools available to help you explore who you are. It’s important to know that these tools are to be used with introspection and cannot definitively tell you who you are. Only you can decide what authenticity means for you.
- Astrology
- Myers & Briggs
- Ayurveda
- Tarot
Who your authentic self is will always be changing as you grow, learn and evolve. Don’t get too stuck in trying to box yourself. We’re fluid creatures, always changing. In fact, change is the only thing we can count on to be constant in life.
Be open to exploring new things and, all in all, decide to be whoever makes you happy.
Be sure to join our Facebook group for weekly mindset and manifestation work!
Affirmations for Identity
- I know who I am
- I am vast and unboxable
- I am unique to only me
- I trust my interests to guide me
- Who I am is always changing
- I am fluid and mallable
- I can differenciate between my own true self and things I admire in others
- I am finding myself
- I am remembering who I am
- I am shedding the layers that are not me
What affirmations around identity do you feel called to? What feels right in your soul? It doesn’t have to be one of these. What statements do YOU need?
Other Articles You May Enjoy
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- How to Tune Your Energy, Frequency & Vibrations to Manifest Abundance
- How to Conquer Addictions & Heal Beliefs in Order to Manifest Fulfillment & Purpose
- Nurturing the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth and Inner Peace
- How to Overcome Fear & Step into Your Unfiltered Power to Gain Confidence & Manifest Your Dreams
Author
S.S.Blake; Spiritual Life Coach, Yoga + Meditation Teacher and Founder of Earth and Water
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