Defining Your True Self, Your Authentic Self

Who are you at your core? Who is the unique you were created to be when you let go of your roles, your masks and desires to please others. Often the life we lead is based on the expectations of others, well meaning parents, teachers, friends, and spouses. When we spent out lives doing what others expect we can feel hollow or as if we have settled or if we don't value ourselves. Yet letting going of these masks, our personas, and just being ourselves can feel too scary, too risky.

Authentic Self Definitions

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." C.G. Jung

Authentic self is also called our true self, our essence and our core self. The opposite is our ego, our false self. This is the self you were created to be. When you are your authentic self staying true to yourself because more important than what others think of you. For most of us, that can feel risky. To be able stay true to our own personality spirit and character is a gift no matter what is happening outside of us is staying true to our authentic selves.

The benefits of staying true to our authentic selves are powerful:

You feel comfortable in your own skin.
You feel congruent, your inside and your outside match.
You feel confident.
You may even like yourself.
Others feel comfortable in your presence.
How can I find my authentic self?

Being our authentic self is based on the choices we make everyday. Choosing to be real, to be honest, to be in integrity, to let our true selves be seen. It takes courage to value being real over being liked. Being authentic may not always feel like the safe, don't rock the boat option. Being our authentic selves takes both courage and practice. The journey is not always easy but I have found the practice well worth the effort. Being authentic is not a destination but a continual journey.

As I work with Life Coach clients, I empower them to first be clear on who they really are. This can go my many names, true self, essence, core self or authentic self. When you know who you are at your core - your authentic self then it becomes much easier to decide on what you want to do with your life and who you want to do it with. We know we are acting as our authentic selves when are inner and outer selves match and we feel content and at peace.

Being your authentic self can also come with great rewards:

As Oprah said, "I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I've become. If I had, I'd have done it a lot earlier.

Amy Barnes, MBA MA LMHC, Life and Relationship Coach with 20 years experience, specializes in empowering people just like you who feel stuck, to thrive in their career and relationships.