“You were born to be real, not to be perfect.”
– Claire Baker
As we move out of 2016 and into 2017, I chose “Authentic” as the word of the month because I want to practice evolving myself, not changing who I am. January is typically a month where we chastise ourselves for past actions and set intentions for the things we want to change. But instead of trying to be something we’re not or do things differently, why not embrace exactly who we are first and then from that place of self honesty discover how to be that best version?
To be authentic is to aspire to be real, genuine, pure, truthful and original. We should still be accountable for our vulnerabilities and imperfections, but do so with self compassion. That is when authenticity makes us truly beautiful.
In a world full of the artificial and unreal we yearn for what’s real. And what could be more real than facing and embracing what’s already inside of us? That takes courage and honesty.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we really are.”
-Brené Brown
How to thread your authentic self into your Dailey practice?
- Be real with yourself, leave all judgement at the door – for yourself and for others
- Avoid excuse and denial and instead recognize and develop
- Work on yourself from the inside out- not the outside in
- Accept your abilities and push yourself, find how deep you can go
- But also accept that sometimes you need to back off
- Love your body and what it is capable of every day
- Say thank you to yourself before you go to bed at night
The best way I can be authentic is to practice self recognition and through that – self love. I know this isn’t always easy. Of course there will be times when we say or do things that are counter to who we are. We’re human and we’re on a journey to find the proper balance. We can aspire to recognize and not deny our failings, but rather than dwelling on them or insisting we’ll never do that again (a quick set-up for a blame and shame cycle), look inside and see who you truly are and see the beauty that is there. We all have that inner light within us and if we can focus on that we will be the true beautiful kind and loving soul that resides within us. Authentically. And then that beauty can be passed on to others.
“When you show up authentic, you create space for others to do the same.”
– Author Unknown
Authentically yours,
Jill Dailey