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Living Authentically

By Amy Sherman

If you are satisfied with your life and feel inspired and passionate every day, then you don't have to change a thing. But if you aren't feeling this way, you may not be living an authentic life.

What does it mean to live authentically? It means not comprising yourself for the sake of others or letting people influence you in ways that feel uncomfortable. It means being in alignment with your integrity and feeling good about who you are and what you do.

Dr. Phil put together a quiz for testing one's self-esteem. Answer Yes or No to the following: 1. Is your self-esteem based on what others think of you?

2. Do you do things to make other people happy, even if it makes you feel bad?

3. Do you have a hard time being happy for others when they succeed?

4. Do you call yourself names like "stupid" or "dummy" when you make mistakes - or sometimes even when you don't?

5. Do you have a hard time taking risks? According to Dr. Phil, if you answered yes to any of these, your self-esteem may be compromised. If you answered yes to three or more, then you are not living authentically. To live an authentic life you need to examine a few things. What is your view of your world? Are you happy with the way things are going?

Are your choices working for you? Do you feel energized and empowered by the things that interest you? Are you going to sleep at night anticipating an exciting new day? If what you are doing is not giving you the meaning and purpose you so desire, then you are denying your authentic self.

Also consider your everyday language. Do you say, "I hope I can..." or "Maybe, I could..." This limits you and does not invite the notion of "possibilities." When you live authentically, you believe anything is possible and that you influence your own life's direction.

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is your choice. Your growth is a process of trial and error. All your failed experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that finally works.

Therefore, the answers to all your questions are inside. All you have to do is look, listen and trust. Your authentic life is waiting for you. Stop denying it.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!