It takes courage to be authentic. To let your light shine. To bravely be YOU.

These quotes on authenticity will give you the courage to let your light shine brightly.

I am worthy

The first step towards authenticity is to realize that the real you is your greatest gift.

Over 100 billion human beings have lived and died throughout the history of the world, but there has only ever been one YOU.

Embrace your quirks and the way your mind works, you are truly unique. You are a miracle. Show your true colors before they fade because you are truly worthy.

Just bloom | Quotes on Authenticity

Don’t worry what everyone else is doing – don’t even look.

Life is not a race so take the time to enjoy each day. Spend time working on yourself and being the best version of yourself. Forget the rest, do your best and you will bloom.

Finding your truth

You won’t find your answers in other people. The journey of self-discovery starts from within so take some time to evaluate your life, how you would like it to be, and what kind of person you want to be.. Once you know this you can take the first steps towards authenticity.

Authentic integrity

Being true to yourself takes courage. Most people aren’t brave enough to fully reveal themselves. Having the courage to show vulnerability in order to discover yourself is the highest form of integrity.

Let yourself be seen | Quotes on Authenticity

Don’t find yourself and then hide yourself at home. Go out into the world and share yourself with everyone, you just might meet someone as unique as you are.

Perfection is the enemy of authenticity | Quotes on Authenticity

Perfection is the lowest standard. You don’t have to be perfect. The pursuit of perfection will damage your soul. Finding your authentic self will set you free.

Bravely be YOU | Quotes on Authenticity

To find yourself and love what you find is one of the bravest things we can do, for some it takes a lifetime, others never even come close. Recognize that there will be times that it is hard and uncomfortable. The only way to expand your comfort zone is to step outside it. Step outside today, be fearless & bravely be YOU.

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Using heartfelt words of appreciation in a unique and genuine way can elevate seemingly mundane interactions and deepen your relationships.

The challenge is often that when we feel the most appreciative, words can escape us.

Knowing just how to express our appreciation most genuinely is not always easy.  As a result, it often doesn’t get expressed at all.

Sometimes it’s just a passing thought that goes unsaid (like when the cashier at the grocery store double-bags a heavy load without asking.  As you envision the bag breaking and groceries spilling everywhere on the way to your car… you’re SO happy he thought to make the extra effort to double-bag them.  Yet you don’t say anything).

Other times, it’s the deeply felt ongoing feelings that don’t end up being shared (like when your significant other or life partner makes an effort to know your creature comforts.  And he or she does special little things each day to make your life more pleasurable).

DEEPER THOUGHTS

Using words of appreciation in heartfelt ways on a regular basis adds positive energy to the larger universal picture.  So, it not only brightens the days of others — it benefits you, as well.

Feeling appreciation is great – it heightens your energy frequency (which is beneficial in using the Law of Attraction).  But, taking it a step further and EXPRESSING appreciation truly deepens your connections with others.

Healthy and connected relationships are a key to happiness.  Certainly, expressing appreciation (often!) is a simple way to increase positivity in a powerfully contagious way.

IDEAS TO INCORPORATE

When expressing appreciation, here are a few helpful tips:

• Express your appreciation OFTEN in ongoing relationships.
• Work on expressing your appreciation on a daily basis during any type of episodic interaction, whenever you’re feeling grateful.
• Mix it up! Using the same simple “thank you” or “I appreciate that” type of message is GOOD.  Incorporating details about WHY you’re appreciative and finding creative ways to communicate it is even BETTER.  (See below for some examples that can help when you’re looking for ways to express your genuine appreciation.)
• Incorporate body language (as appropriate) to reinforce your message. Most communication is received with nonverbal cues.  So along with your words, add a smile, a hug or kiss, a touch on the arm, or something that’s in line with your sentiment.  That will create a more compelling message.

PHRASES TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION

Here are some “formulas” you can use in crafting your own unique expressions about how you value someone’s actions, efforts, intentions, presence or being.

“Thank you.  I REALLY appreciate that you _______ (insert an action for which you’re feeling grateful)…it really ______________ (what did it do?  Maybe it brightened your day.  Maybe it relieved some stress. Or made your day easier.  Or just made you happy.  Just add in a bit of detail about WHY you’re appreciative and what it meant to you.)”

“Wow.  That just put a huge smile on my face…I needed that.” (naturally, said with a huge smile)

“My heart feels happier all of a sudden – thank you for ________.” (Insert whatever someone did to make your heart to suddenly feel warm and fuzzy inside.)

“I don’t know where you learned to be so amazing at _____________ – I just want you to know how much I value that about you.”

“I really like (or love) that you _____________. (Insert an action.  Such as “that you thought to compliment my sister when she was clearly feeling a little down on herself.”)  That’s one of the things that makes you uniquely YOU and I appreciate so much.”

“I feel ____________ (Insert a feeling. Maybe safe, protected, connected, blissful, happy, etc.) when I’m with you, and I truly value that feeling.  Thank you.”

Just a simple “I love that! Thank you.” Saying this with a smile is a great quick appreciation phrase that can be used often in an ongoing relationship.  Great for using with a significant other or best friend.

BEYOND WORDS – FEELING APPRECIATION FOR EXPERIENCES

Beyond the sentiments we share with others, it’s also helpful to mention the benefits of practicing words of appreciation with regard to experiences.  Again, this practice raises our energy vibration and enhances our overall positivity mindset.

As an example, I was in a rush the other day driving to an appointment.  As luck would have it, as I’m driving, a gaggle of geese decided it was time to cross the road.  Right then and there.  And S—L—O—W—L—Y.

Rather than feeling frustrated or upset, I smiled.  I genuinely felt grateful for the message I just received.  I needed to slow down and relax.  Message noted (and with humor)!

It’s actually a fun exercise to explore how many experiences in our lives on a day-to-day basis could create a negative response.

Instead, we can choose to re-frame any experience.  We can choose the benefit of feeling true appreciation for SOME aspect of these experiences.

Just remember that each experience may very well be hiding a lesson we need.  Or a message, or reminder, or any number of things.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

You can use the phrases above as a springboard for crafting your own unique messages in ways that suit your style.  So, mix up the sentiments, and craft your own.

Along that vein, spend some time thinking about other things you can do and say to express how valuable others are in your life.  (Whether in little ways or big!)

Most importantly, by expressing value with sincere words of appreciation as an ongoing practice, results are transformative and the benefits are heart-warming.

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Technology and social media were created to serve us, improve our lives, and increase our interconnectedness.

Social media also felt like a novelty, and we were all dying to join.

However, social sites that were first designed to improve our lives, quickly became our masters.

When was the last time you went a whole week or even a day without checking your social media?

How does the thought of a social media detox feel?..

Well, if you feel distressed or depressed at the idea of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram vanishing, then you might need a detox.. Below are some mindful benefits to get you started..

Social Media Detox

1. End the comparison cycle

Reality is lost on social media, as people are showcasing the best aspects of themselves over their real selves.

This quickly triggers self-disdain as we second guess our appearance, skill set, and even our personality.

The comparison cycle is supported by scientific research that discovered people who use social media often are likely to compare themselves with others resulting in a negative impact on self-esteem.

A social media detox breaks the comparison cycle and reconnects you with the remarkable things about yourself and in your life.

2. Break the narcissistic tendencies

Wait, what? Yes, social media provides the conditions to develop narcissistic behavior, and a social media detox will curtail that affect.

Social sites allow us to self-promote, cultivate a particular image, and present ourselves to other people seeking their approval.

The approval comes in likes and shares on Facebook Reels, upvotes on Reddit, and retweets on Twitter and this reward system leads to a situation where it is all about your satisfaction and gratification.

3. Social media detox will better your mood

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites are a quick way to reconnect with friends and might seem like an excellent way to improve your mood.

However, a recent study revealed that increased social media use resulted in increased depression.

One reason is that we are perusing other’s curated photos and thus we fill inferior in comparison, and the more disconnected we are from the real world.

By and large, if you feel depressed or stressed out, it is high time you cut your social media use. You will feel much happier when you break the cycle.

4. Reconnect with the real world

We need person-to-person contact, and though Facebook preaches increased interconnectedness, in reality, it drives a wedge between people.

People who spend more time online are more likely to have weakened immunity and feel isolated and lonely in the ‘real world.’

Well, the good news is you can improve your mood by going out in public, or meeting like-minded people.

It is also high time to start a social media detox as it allows you to live in the moment, and to free up time to develop new skills or enjoy that hobby you’ve been putting off.

5. A social media detox will protect your privacy

We are social creatures, and there is nothing new to sharing what we do.

However, social media is insidious in that we have lost control over who we share our privacy with..

It might seem inconsequential, someone discovering a few facts about you; but we see the trees and miss sight of the forest, in that someone can create a penetrating profile about us going through the information we put online; thus we are unguarded against manipulation.

The best way to protect your privacy, is to delete your sensitive information and take a social media detox.

Of course, it is not all doom and gloom with social media, but there are instances the cons outweigh the pros, and it is in such cases we encourage a social media detox

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The word agreeable is defined as ‘willing to agree to something.’

I remember reading a quote once that encouraged the idea of choosing to surround yourself with friends who are “agreeable.”

I can understand that this may seem like an attractive choice, to surround ourselves only with those who see things the way we do. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse. It actually worries me a little. The idea that there are people all over the world who are choosing to only engage with those who echo their beliefs and values is really quite confronting.

Being agreeable won’t get you what you want in life

Perhaps this is part of the reason why there is so much conflict in the world. I realise that may sound backwards, surely being agreeable avoids conflict right? Maybe not.

Think of it this way. Say you have a friend who has a strong opinion on a particular topic but it completely goes against how you feel. But rather than speaking up to the person, you keep your thoughts to yourself. Maybe this friend is someone you have known for many years. Maybe it’s family! In any case for whatever reason you choose not to speak up against this person’s beliefs out of a fear of conflict.

You choose instead to be agreeable.

Then one day, you and this person are in a situation where you place you trust in them and they let you down. Maybe it’s over something big, maybe not. But, after all the years of turning a blind eye to this person’s opinion which conflicts with your values, you have now collected a bucketload of resentment and anger towards them. Now, this situation creates the opportunity for all of that crap you have held onto to come pouring out. And it does.

Do you see where I am going with this? Because of choosing to be agreeable rather than truthful, you are in a situation where your anger and resentment own you. Instead of speaking up in the small moments when you felt the truth of your soul tapping at you, you ignored it, and it has collected inside you.

You have created a toxic environment because you were scared to speak your truth.

How many wars have started like this? How many fights could have been resolved if the parties involved had just been brave enough to speak up when it mattered, instead of waiting until it was too late and too much damage was then done?

I think this is where being agreeable is a mistake. I am not saying we need to be aggressive and obnoxious about the things we believe and constantly jam our own beliefs down other peoples throats. What I am suggesting is that perhaps if we all used a tiny little bit more courage, chose to speak our truth and in turn made the effort to LISTEN to the truth of others, that we as a race would evolve exponentially. When you hold back on speaking your truth you may avoid arguments or temporary discomfort.

But ultimately you are turning your back on yourself.

You can only do that for so long before that choice starts to cause inner conflict. That conflict will eventually leak out into your life.

I truly believe that we can choose to be kind, open, compassionate and loving to one another in our communications without necessarily being agreeable.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree?  

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As an adult, you know that things aren’t always going to go your way, but you may still not fully believe that some truths are unpleasant and disappointing, The sooner you understand that life can be brutal, the better that you can prepare yourself for the challenges and rocky times. These 5 brutal truths may be hard to stomach, but coming to peace with them will make life a whole lot easier. As you navigate through this world you will likely experience some of these brutal truths, and it’s always best to go into battle prepared!

5 Brutal Truths You Must Accept In Order To Move Forward In Life

Life is Not Always Fair

We’ve all heard this axiom hundreds of times, but there are still some days and situations when we just refuse to believe it. When an ‘unfair’ situation occurs, it is always best to acknowledge that you don’t think that it is fair, and then shrug it off and move on. Lamenting the unfairness of the situation will get you nowhere and will prevent you from embracing the beautiful wonder that the universe has in store for you! Don’t ask “Why me?,” instead ask “How can I use this?”

Even When You Do Everything Right, Things Can Still Go Wrong

Similar to the above truth, there will be situations where you do everything right and things still go wrong. This can be one of the most difficult life lessons to accept and overcome because it is proof positive that we may not always know what’s best for ourselves. When you take all of the necessary steps to reach a certain goal, and nothing goes to plan, it’s time to step back and take a breath. Your plan may not be what the universe has in store for you, and it’s time to renew your faith in powers greater than yourself, let go, and trust the divine’s plan for you!

Don’t Allow Your Life To Be Controlled By These 5 Things (Inspiring Speech) Watch FREE On Youtube:

Not Everyone is Going to Want to Be Your Friend

Even after our school years making and keeping good friends can be an ongoing challenge. When we are attracted to another person’s energy and want to forge a friendship with them, the sentiment may not be reciprocated. Rather than trying to devise a plan to “make” them like you, or finding fault with yourself and wishing that you were different to how you are, trust that you are being protected. Even if this is a positive person and that will bring light into your life, they may just be on a different path that doesn’t include you. There’s no reason to find fault with yourself or feel that you need to change, just accept their decision.

People Lie

Maya Angelou once said “If they knew better, they’d do better”… The simple truth is many people don’t know better. Sometimes even good people do bad things. It is important to remember that if you are mistreated it is a reflection of the other person rather than of you. Do not fall into the trap of second-guessing yourself or blaming your trusting nature. Simply recognize that some people do not deserve to be in your life and move on from there. There is no need to try to “fix” things or figure out what you did wrong. Some people are just not honest or positive people, and when you encounter a toxic person, recognize them for who they are and move on.

Compassion Isn’t Always a Two-Way Street

We are always trying to grow and improve ourselves and recognize our fellow travelers as important beings. Unfortunately, the sense of compassion with which you greet the world is not always shared by others! It is important to recognize this brutal truth but at the same time not allow it to influence you to lose your compassion!

Of course, it always helps to remember that there is a flip side to these brutal truths, and the trick is to attract positive and loving people into your life. You may be amazed that once you identify the above truths they can begin to lose their power. Knowing that not everyone is good can help you enter new situations with your eyes open and reject giving your energy and attention to negative and toxic people! Use these 5 brutal truths to dismiss the negativity in the world and seek out positive and enriching people and experiences!

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Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and founder of Leanin.org She is also a bestselling author with an estimated net worth of one billion dollars. In 2012, Sheryl was named in the Time 100 most influential people. Before Facebook, she worked at Google and served as chief of staff for the US Secretary of Treasury.

At only 48 years-old Sheryl has accomplished an incredible amount and continues to inspire people all over the world.

Use these Sheryl Sandberg quotes to become resilient in your life.

“Finding gratitude and appreciation is key to resilience. People who take the time to list things they are grateful for are happier and healthier.” — Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

Gratitude journals are one of the best ways to start your morning and end your evenings. It’s impossible to be grateful and fearful or angry at the same time. Gratitude will help you appreciate what you have, which will attract more of what you want in the future.

Always remember that someone is praying for the life you are already living. Be grateful for all that you have in this world.

“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” — Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

Following your passion gives you more energy and drive than doing something just for the money. Choose to follow your passion for ultimate satisfaction in life. By not chasing money you almost always end up making more than if you did.

Once you get to do what you love, combine your passion to contribute more and help others. Happiness is inevitable.

“You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process, you will figure out who you really are — and you just might become the very best version of yourself.” — Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

The more your persevere and claw your way back to the light, the stronger you become. In life’s toughest moments you get to figure out who you really are and can always find a new, better version of yourself.

“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat.”– Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

The next time you’re offered an opportunity and you don’t feel ready, take it anyways. There is no perfect time for anything great in life. Take the risk, enjoy the ride, and learn along the way to create an epic life.

“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.” — Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

Companies fail because they get stagnant and quit innovating. Just look at Blockbuster or major retail stores. Whether you own a business, manage a team or are an employee, always be learning.

The more you learn the more you can earn and happier you will become.

“Bring your whole self to work. I don’t believe we have a professional self Monday through Friday and a real self the rest of the time. It is all professional and it is all personal.” — Sheryl Sandberg Quotes

If you’re someone else on the weekend vs. the weekday it can be exhausting to keep up your dual identities. Align your life with your vision so you can be your true self 100% of the time.

Use these Sheryl Sandberg quotes to get inspired and make positive changes in your life.

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5 Keys to Finding Your Authentic Self and Shedding Your Mask

Authenticity means living from the heart. It means living life in alignment with your values and desires. When we act in ways that align with our deepest values, we are fulfilled inside and are also able to form better relationships with others.

Sometimes being authentic requires that you become vulnerable in front of others, but the other option is to become inauthentic which is more dangerous in the long-term.

It’s possible to feel authentic again. Here are the five ways for living and finding your authentic self.

1. Redefine Your Values

To live an authentic life, you have to know what matters to you. Because your decisions, priorities and actions will be based on your values. If you sway from your values, you will feel regretful and unsatisfied from life.

So take the time to discover what really matters to you in life. As we grow, our values change, so it’s important to be aligned with your present values.

For example, if you value achievement, work ethic, and creativity, you cannot be lazy, uninspired, and distracted all the time because it’ll kill you inside and erode your self-esteem. Finding your authentic self requires that you know what matters to you.

2. Ask Introspective Questions, But In A Creative Way

A great way to get to the bottom of your heart is to probe it with inquisitive statements. They’re questions written in a creative way.

For example, do the following sentence completion exercise to know yourself better:

I waste the most time: ___________

This is the trait I really value in others:____________

If I had to do one thing to improve my life it would be ________________

The one thing that gets me down but shouldn’t is ____________________

Completing sentence stems this way is a great way to finding your authentic self . This technique was originally emphasized by Nathaniel Branden, the author of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem.

3. Pay Attention to Your Intuition

Your hunches, physical sensations, and emotions act like an inner compass. They have the power to take you in the right direction if you pay attention.

When something doesn’t feel right and you feel out of sync, take some time for introspection and reflect on what’s the last wrong decision you made that’s responsible for you not feeling right.

Often we bring inauthentic energy, just to fit in or please others, we get that weird feeling in the gut as if something isn’t right. Finding your authentic self requires that you become aware of that feeling and trust it.

4. Create the Space to Hear Your Inner Voice

We live in a world full of distractions and deadlines. Smartphones, television, Netflix, YouTube, social media platforms – we like to keep “connected” 24×7.

While this is okay and provides a comfortable life, the more important connection is the one we have with ourselves. And it is the key to living and finding your authentic self

So how to tune into that connection? Step away from the distractions. Go for a walk alone one day to introspect and just be with yourself. Travel to a new city on your own. Step into a place away from the humdrum of life and tune into your own heart.

5. See Things With An Open Mind Without Any Judgment

Judgment closes the conversation and puts blame on you. The first step in finding your authentic self is to see things from a place of oneness, curiosity, and lack of judgment.

For example, if you call yourself “lazy”, you are judging and inviting guilt into your life.

On the other hand, if you call yourself “demotivated”, you realize that motivation comes from a source and it can be fixed.  And that you need to change directions and choose an area where you will be able to work hard.

So see things from an open mind where things aren’t always black and white. Authenticity develops when we are able to see our situation from a holistic perspective.

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Intuition, or a drive from within to act on sudden inspiration, has such a negative connotation in society. We are expected to think with our heads and be “practical”! Here is what actor, Jim Carrey, had to say about practicality in his commencement speech at the Maharishi University of Management:

So many of us choose our path out of fear, disguised as practicality.

Jim Carrey: Ask The Universe & Follow Your Impulses

This is one of my favorite quotes. Why? Because as a society we are so entrained to conform to “society standards”, which discourages us from following our intuition, or inspiration! We take the “practical road” because it is safe. Less risky.

It is my theory that suppressing intuition, or suppressing the desire to act on divine inspiration, just builds up a tension so great in our soul that we begin to experience depression. Anxiety. Boredom, or malaise. And we miss our path!

And for what? So that we can feel “safe”? So that we can have predictability? Sure, predictability and safety have their benefits. But if divine inspiration calls and you choose to ignore it, the consequences may far outweigh the benefits!

Let’s Look At 3 Fresh, New, and Unique Ways To Look At Intuition

1. Are You Being Asked To Face Your Authenticity?

Intuition, I believe, leads us to our authentic selves. Consider someone who is being pressured within a family to join the “family business”. To do what generation after generation in his family has done.  Is he going to follow his intuition to seek out other avenues – knowing he will be “letting the family down”? Or is he going to suppress his desire to follow a passion?

When feeling compelled, yet scared, to take the road unpaved (or “unapproved”), ask yourself the tough questions and be honest with yourself:

• Is there some other purpose for me in this life, other than meeting other people’s needs and doing what is “expected” of me?
• Am I more concerned with how others view me, rather than my own happiness?
• Would doing what is considered normal, or compliant, in this situation cause me to have feelings of fatigue and depression?
• Am I suppressing my true desires? What will the effects of long-term suppression be, versus the effects of short-term “acceptance” by friends, family, and society?

2. Following Our Intuition Leads To An Exploration Of Contrast, Or Duality

A person who is “awake”, or conscious, is going to naturally have the desire to explore contrasts in life. There is duality everywhere you look. Laziness existing alongside industriousness. Good existing alongside evil. Kindness existing alongside aggression. We have all seen people swing from one extreme to the next. And why? Our intuition leads us to extremes at times so that, ultimately, we can achieve balance!

Consider the friend who kept dating those “jerks” but in the end married a very stable and kind person. Perhaps your friend was “educating” herself about how she did, and did not, want to be treated. An exploration of duality can ultimately help us to get onto the path we were meant to be on!

3. Intuition, And Passion, Leads Us To A Higher Calling

Each of us is gifted with talents and skills which can be identified by looking at the things we are passionate about and inspired to do. By suppressing and turning away from these passions and impulses, we are denying the divine access to creation in this world through our given talents and skills. We are all here for a purpose, and that purpose sometimes does not, at least initially, look so practical.

I hope this unique perspective of intuition, or following your impulses, will call you to take a look at your own! What is your heart calling you to explore? What inspiration is bubbling up in your soul, beckoning you to follow it? Listen to that small voice that is inspiring you to greatness, and see the wondrous places your intuition can take you!

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