{"id":5508,"date":"2021-06-03T06:02:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T11:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=5508"},"modified":"2025-07-08T19:07:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T00:07:30","slug":"authentic-self","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/authentic-self\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding & Embracing Your Authentic Self"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Authentic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to lose touch with our authentic self. Far too often, people think they can\u2019t be who they truly are. Maybe it\u2019s fear holding you back. Or, you might be uncertain whether people will like and accept you.  Expectations tend to dictate how we act, especially around others. Unfortunately, that makes it easy for our authentic selves to sink into the background. In some cases, you might completely lose sight of who you really are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

That can leave you feeling empty, lonely, and even depressed or anxious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are things you can do to find your authentic self again. That means letting go of expectations and who you think you\u2019re supposed to be.  Authenticity means knowing your basic values and priorities, strengths and weakness, and having confidence that you are “okay as you are, while working on your rough edges.” Being more authentic often equates to more happiness. So, knowing how to begin your journey is incredibly important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive into how you can begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Out What You\u2019re Afraid Of<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Again, it\u2019s often fear that holds people back from being their true selves. So, ask yourself what you\u2019re really afraid of. Maybe you\u2019re afraid of feeling rejected or abandoned. Or, maybe you think your authentic self would create conflict in your relationships. Whatever the case, this should be your starting point. Once you recognize your fears, you can work on conquering them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the Downsides and Costs of Not Being Authentic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you understand the fear holding you back, consider how you might feel if you keep your authentic self hidden. Although risking your feared outcome (criticism, rejection, conflict) is quite uncomfortable, not being your authentic self also comes with a price to pay. This price is often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, if you acknowledge the price you pay for holding back, it can shift your motivation towards a willingness to risk facing your fear. So how will you feel if you continue to hold back? Chances are, you\u2019ll become frustrated and angry with yourself. You might even end up feeling more anxious or depressed because you\u2019re constantly having to put on a show. You may feel resentful that others “hold you back or won’t let you be you” when you haven’t tested that out. All of that emotional baggage can be exhausting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, it not only hurts you from you not being your true self, but it also hurts others who are missing out on what your authentic self can offer them and the world. Perhaps they too are hiding behind a mask or have lost their sense of authentic self. Lead by example and show them that we all benefit from living more authentically. Let that be the spark that triggers you to find yourself again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Be Your Authentic Self<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ready to let your authentic self truly shine and be who you are,  you\u2019ve already taken the first step toward a better future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, if you don\u2019t know how to get started, keep in mind that it is a constant learning and growing process. You\u2019re not going to \u201cchange\u201d overnight. Our authentic self at 40 will be different than our authentic self at 20 (or at least I hope it will based on learning and refining our values and priorities!) Some tips to keep in mind include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n