Through a couple of finger taps on a rectangular glass screen we quickly have access to a digital world that allows for hours of comparison of our lives to the lives of hundreds of other users. This quick escape to an alternate reality allows us to easily lose sight in the idea of being authentic. Being authentic is a choice that we make to be present and genuine regardless of our “flaws,” and regardless of how others perceive us. Being authentically yourself is the most honest and true thing you can grace your soul with, and consciously work on each day.

Social media blurs the real us.

If my Instagram page was an authentic reflection of 22-year-old Liv, you’d see more photos of my daily emotional breakdowns. You’d see the acne that is covered by a combination of make-up and a good insta filter. You’d see how messy my room is, the late night food indulgences, and how bloated my stomach gets after I eat dinner. Sure, what I post is authentic, but it’s not my ENTIRE story. What you see on social media isn’t always what you get, but it’s still a part of who I am.

We get to pick and choose the aspects of our daily lives that we showcase to our followers and to strangers from all around the world. Let me make this clear: I’m not saying that we need to post the “bad” along with the good, but I am simply stating that we need to be AWARE of the images of ourselves that we are posting on social media.  It is important to be reflective if we are able to differentiate the “social media version of us” from “the real us.” [AKA knowing who you truly are.] Choosing the good from the bad doesn’t allow for our authentic selves to be explored unless we take the time to evaluate how well we know who we truly are.

Don’t trade authenticity for approval

I have learned that you cannot live you life to please other people. It really gets you nowhere as you continue through your life. You can’t live your life for others, it just doesn’t work like that. Having differing opinions or values is okay. It’s important to have your own opinion on different topics, and to understand where your values lie. That’s part of being authentic.

In the past I struggled with being authentic in “the dating world.” The older I get, the more I realize that if I actually want to be with somebody, I have to show them WHO I TRULY am, because if I do not show them now then how is that relationship ever going to work if I have to hide my truth all the time? Answer: It’s not.

In the past I’ve tried so hard to be someone that I’m not because I want the other person to like me. But it’s not about being “liked” it’s about being loved for who you truly are. If you have to change yourself to be “liked” by someone else, then they are NOT your person. That goes for anyone who comes into your life. If you want to fall in love you have to throw away the mask and show your soul! You should never have to pretend to be someone you’re not, just to get the attention or the commitment from the other person.

Walk your authentic path, and the universe will validate it

Life is most enjoyable when you choose to be your authentic self. This allows for your mind to be clear and your heart to be full. By being authentic you are making room for experiences to be welcomed into your life. You do not have to waste energy on pretending to be someone that you are not. Being authentic is being comfortable in your own skin, including those flaws and all. What I have learned is that the more comfortable I feel in my skin, the better things in my life feel, and the more people I’ve been able to relate to and inspire to also live their own authentic lives.

Let go of who you think you are supposed to be, and embrace who you are, and that will truly help live your life to the fullest every day.

-Liv