You know how a dog looks when it’s riding down the road with its head out the window? That dog is unreservedly, unashamedly, transparently enjoying life.
There is something in the image of a grinning dog, ears and tongue flapping in the breeze, that inspires me to live my life with less inhibition and more gusto.
One of my life values is to live as authentically as possible. Because I believe we can make the biggest difference and find the most joy in life when we are honest about who we are—and who we’re not. I believe authenticity is crucial in achieving real success and finding real fulfillment.
And yet…
How tempting it can be to take the easy road and blend in with the crowd instead of standing out and standing up for my beliefs. Blending in may be the safe choice. It may lead to less friction and quicker acceptance.
But it also stifles the real me and denies the world the unique gifts I could have offered. I don’t want that kind of legacy. I want to have the courage to be different in my own unique way.
I want to have the courage to sing with the windows open—even when I’m not on key, or not singing the “in” song.
I don’t want to live my life hiding who I am and what I believe. We have the freedom to live with authenticity in this country. Don’t waste it!
Simple ways to live with intentional authenticity
- Enjoy music with gusto. Enter fully into music you love. Sing along at full volume. Raise your hands. Clap. Dance. Conduct. Air guitar. Whatever lets you fully enter the music, do it with gusto—whether others are looking or not.
- Express an honest opinion. For some of us, expressing an opinion that others might disagree with is very, very hard. If this is you, be intentional about stepping out of your comfort zone and stating what you really think no matter what others might say.
- Make a quirky fashion statement. If you have a certain style, color, or accessory that you love, don’t bury it in the closet. Wear it with pride.
- Let go of something you are not. Sometimes I wish I could get into music like a musician. But I don’t have a musician’s soul. I never will. My soul delights in Story rather than music. (Thus I eventually figured out I am a writer.) Is there something you wish you could be that is blinding you from what you already are? Let it go.
- Don’t belittle your interests. Some people are into astronomy. Some people are into finding bargains at flea markets. Is one inherently better than the other? NO! Don’t believe the lie that your particular interests aren’t important enough. (Or worthwhile, or cool, or sophisticated, or significant, or whatever.) If you look, you can find ways that your particular interests make a difference to others in your world.
- Own your quirks. You can spend your life making excuses for your idiosyncrasies, or you can own them. Instead of trying to hide your quirks, why not freely admit them and laugh when others notice them? You’ll expend far less energy and have way more fun.
- Admire the unique style of others. We all need encouragement in the struggle to be authentic. When you notice someone standing up for their beliefs or intentionally living out their own style and interests—respect them and compliment them. It takes courage to live life authentically. Always honor that courage, in yourself or others.
What can you do to be intentionally authentic today?
