Guest post written by Abby Calabrese

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Being true to who you are can be one of the most powerful choices you make. Living authentically unlocks confidence, clarity and connection – not just for yourself, but for others around you too.

Yet authenticity is often easier said than done. The pressures of daily life, and what others might think of us, can gradually pull us away from our natural selves. Before we know it, we’ve become strangers even to ourselves.

That’s why taking small, deliberate steps toward authenticity is so important. Like any journey, it’s about progress, not perfection. So wherever you’re at – that’s exactly where you should begin.

Here are some baby steps you can take:

• Notice when you’re staying silent to please others, rather than speaking your truth. Give yourself permission to share your authentic thoughts and feelings, even if they’re different.
• Pay attention to how you’re spending your time and energy. Are you fulfilling obligations out of a sense of ‘should’ or because your heart is truly in it? Carve out space for the activities that are meaningful to you.
• Examine your self-talk. Replace harsh internal criticism with compassion. Speak to yourself as you would a close friend struggling with the same challenges.
• Set boundaries. Learn to say ‘no’ graciously when commitments won’t allow you to show up as your best self. Your time and energy are precious gifts – choose how they are shared wisely.

Taking these tiny steps, and many more, will add up over time to a journey of profound discovery – of your values, talents, purpose. And go easy on yourself! This isn’t easy but it’s worth it.

Here are some more examples to think over:

Be honest about your feelings in low-stakes situations, like sharing with a friend how their thoughtful gesture made you feel. Getting comfortable openly expressing emotions helps you tap into your authentic self.

• Wear a new outfit, try a new hobby, or change your appearance in some small way just because it feels right to you, not to please others or fit any image. Authenticity starts from within.
• Have an authentic conversation with someone close to you about a vulnerability or insecurity. Opening up, even a little, can help you better understand yourself and feel less alone.
• Prioritize activities you find meaning in over checking items off a rigid to-do list just because you think you ‘should.’ Let purpose and passion, not obligations, guide your time.
• Speak your truth respectfully when someone makes an insensitive remark rather than saying nothing. Confronting situations on your terms helps assert your authentic self.
• Decline an invitation or request gracefully if it doesn’t align with your values or allow you to show up as your best self. Small acts of setting boundaries are big for authenticity.
• Celebrate natural traits or quirks about yourself that make you uniquely you. Loving yourself exactly as you are lays the foundation for living authentically.

It doesn’t have to be huge steps to see the impact. Give it a shot!

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