Top Ten Ways to Live Authentically

 

   “The only thing worse than not having sight is not having vision”    ~ Helen Keller   

Do you remember in Alice in Wonderland, Alice asked the cat, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” The cat answered, “That depends a great deal on where you want to go.” Alice said, “Oh, I don’t much care.” He answered, “Then it really doesn’t matter which way you go.”   

Which way do you want your life to go? What do you want? It’s your choice! You can have anything in life you want… if you know what you want!     

Recently I came across this article by Ann Ronan, and it really struck a cord with me.  I love its advocacy of finding your purpose, following your passions, playing to your strengths, surrounding yourself with inspiration and of course serving others.      

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.     

Copyright 2005 Ann Ronan     

Source: SureWoman