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The Magic of Authenticity

Written by: Jeannie Campanelli, Ed.D., CPCC

Article Overview: Loving who you are, expressing who you are, showing up naturally wherever you are - in other words, simply being yourself - feels good. This place comes from an inner confidence.

The Magic of Authenticity

An important component of feeling confident is that you are connected to what gives you energy and what doesn't. You know your values. You own your strengths and accept your limitations. You are in touch with your yearnings. You recognize your feelings, allow yourself to experience them, and deeply investigate their messages to you. You understand that emotions are a vehicle through which your soul talks to you. You can say yes or no as your boundaries are clear. In other words, you listen to your heart. You are Present. As a result, a dance occurs with Life. You are in the zone of love - engaged and alive. During these economic times, there appears to be a shift occurring which has this level of authenticity become even more important. Many people are being encouraged to really 'get' that the accumulation of stuff doesn't bring fulfillment. The discovery of our natural talents, the development of them into real strengths, and the application of these strengths to contribute to our world does lead to a whole new level of fulfillment. When we naturally express our true selves - in other words, when we are in the flow - the money that we need (the key word is need) often magically comes. It's a side benefit of living from your heart.

Finding work that expresses our authentic selves becomes more important than money which is simply one of many currencies. I can't tell you how often I've been with coaching clients who, once they reached the level of what they considered wealthy, really 'got' that the old adage about money bringing happiness is in truth, a myth.

Take a moment to reflect: what is a currency that is important to me? Simply notice what floats to the surface. Some examples could be a love of learning through books, art, sharing with loved ones, fun, being in nature and/or relaxation time. Listen to your heart as that part of you will know.

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs lists basic needs (food, shelter) at the lowest rung of the ladder, next is safety where money generally lies, after that is love and belonging, then esteem and, lastly, self-actualization. The amount of money that brings a level of security/safety is different for everyone. Notice what floats to the surface when you ask yourself: what is a measurement of wealth to me?

For many in these vulnerable times, the self-actualization stage is drawing them to personal growth. Supposedly, the sale of self-help books is skyrocketing. People want to be grounded and authentic, now more than ever.

Take a moment to close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. Notice what comes to the surface when you ask yourself: how can I more fully express the essence of who I am?

In this quiet place, you can choose to tell yourself: I invest in myself, tapping into the resources that feel right for me, with the intention to be grounded in who I naturally am. The dance of Life will take care of itself as I listen to my Inner Guidance. I will know the next step for me because I am alert and in the present - in tune with myself. Step by step - listening, connected to myself, understanding myself, expressing myself - I trust the process of my Life.

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Article Tags: abraham maslow, accumulation, authentic selves, authenticity, boundaries, economic times, emotions, food shelter, fulfillment, hierarchy of needs, key word, maslow s hierarchy of needs, myth, natural talents, nbsp, old adage, relaxation time, side benefit, true selves, yearnings



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