Top Ten Ways to Live Authentically
Copyright 2005 Ann Ronan
1. Know your purpose Are you wandering through life with little
direction - hoping that you'll find happiness, health and
prosperity? Identify your life purpose or mission statement and
you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your
truth north every time.
2. Know your values What do you value most? Make a list of your
top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family,
spiritual development, learning. As you set your goals - - check
your goals against your values. If the goal doesn't align with
any of your top five values - you may want to reconsider it or
revise it.
3. Know your needs Unmet needs can keep you from living
authentically. Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be
acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? List
your top four needs and get them met!
4. Know your passions Honor those things that make your heart
sing. Whatever it is, do more of it!
5. Live from the inside out Increase your awareness of your
inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with
nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind.
6. Honor your strengths What are your positive traits? What
special talents do you have? List three - if you get stuck, ask
those closest to you to help identify these. Are you
imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express
your authentic self through your strengths.
7. Take time to play Give yourself time to recharge doing things
you love to do or by just doing nothing.
8. Be aware of your self-talk Are you blocking your potential?
Check out your first thoughts when you wake tomorrow. Are they
supportive, encouraging or positive? Choose the kind of chatter
that's goes on in your mind. Become aware of the negative
messages you give yourself. Gently catch them and turn them into
positive affirmations.
9. Surround yourself with inspiration Keep a success journal.
Write down your four or five greatest strengths and post them
where you can see them. On the last Friday of each month, write
down all your accomplishments both big and small.
10. Serve others When you live authentically, you may find that
you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true
to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents
to the world around you, you give back in service what you came
to share with others -your spirit - your essence.