Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for Aug. 6-12, 2023.
AUTHENTICITY
I’m just trying to be real.
Definition: representing one’s true nature or beliefs, true to oneself
Other: genuine, legitimate, true
Opposite: fake, unreliable
Authenticity comes from the Greek word authentikos meaning original, genuine, principle.
It takes courage to live your life being imperfect and vulnerable. It is living by a code of values and morals that remain constant but open to listening for those moments of change that are crucial to our integrity. It is understanding our shortcomings and that these challenges help to make us who we are. It is learning to face fears and doubts. It takes effort, consistency and means leaving SHOULD behind.
What I think, feel, say and do magnifies from what I hold important and is fundamental to living a life of honesty and principle.
We can get carried away being trapped by expectations. Sometimes social media presents who we think we should be, hiding who we really are. The mask, facade or pretending we are someone who we aren’t can bring judgment from ourselves which can lead to procrastination, putting yourself last by people pleasing, excuses with false justification or trying to gloss over “bad” emotions by pushing them down or even ignoring them. Trying to fit in, be liked and accepted by others can lead to feeling lonely, disconnected and worthless.
When we live from our authentic selves then our differences do not frighten or challenge us. There are no judgements. What a delight to chat with someone who has an interest in what you are saying, that you mean something and it’s not just all about them.
It is a life long process to find our true self, let go of beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve and replace with true to you actions. Paying attention to what life has to teach you can open up the doors of wonder and delight.
Actions and words in agreement and harmony with beliefs and values becomes possibility. Finding out what makes our hearts sing and spirits soar is when we feel most alive, free and unburdened. It is living with conviction and confidence, staying true to yourself. It is giving generously, rather than from obligation or pity, an overflowing of gratitude and abundance.
It is the way you choose to live your life, the way you chase yours dreams and even the way you stand up to conflict. It is being ok with not knowing for sure what will come next but knowing that whatever it is, you will be all right.
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary."
-Steve Jobs
Find the Good,
Becky and Janette
Originally posted on Aug. 5, 2020, written by Becky Wilbur.
Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.
Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on SELF-CARE.
