Authenticity - Part II

• It’s a single, abstract word!

• Our deeply rooted fundamental beliefs. 

• Guides that dictate our behavior and actions. 

• The foundations of what is driving our decisions. 

• Ingrained principles that help our declare who we are and what we stand for.

Values represent the things we cherish and hold to be most dear

Our core values are the heart, home, and centre of why we are doing what we do and what we are not doing

It doesn't matter what area of your life you want to bring into the container, at the core of everything is 'you', the you that you've been, the you that is present and the you that you want to become.

Values are more an integral part of who we are. Development of personal values starts as early as childhood and is shaped by the beliefs and values of our parents or caretakers. 

Another way to put it is our ultimate and most fulfilling form of expressing and relating. Our values serve as a compass pointing out what it means to be true to oneself. When we honor our values on a regular and consistent basis, life is good and fulfilling. 

Value are what matter to us; what’s important, what we focus on (unconsciously), for they make us take action (or not take action). It is not who we would like to be, not who we think we should be, but who we are in our lives, right now. 

Values drive individual’s choices and decisions. They attract or repulse us to an activity or goal and determine the actions we will take. 

Take a look at how you spend your time, that will give you a good starting point for identifying your core values.  

• What makes you laugh?

• What makes you angry, frustrated

• What can’t you tolerate?

Now that we know what is our values, what made us do what we do and what we don’t do. Do we question where these values are from?

Values may be instilled through pain and pleasure throughout our formative years. Initially through our parents and or carers, and later by our peers, friends, teachers and educators, religion, culture, employers, partners, society and media. They shaped own life based on what we want most and what we fear most.

We have the potential to change. The change the value that is not ours to start with. But how did it get there?  

You were born authentic. You are not a copy. There is no one like, nor has been, nor will be ever again. Your best self is your ‘real’ self. You were born with a mission and role to fulfil, which is simply: be who you are. Authenticity means to be the author of your own life.  

Being authentic is a lifelong process. It’s never something that anyone can give you. It’s not something you learn from books, it’s never a ‘done once’ affair. It’s every moment of every day.  

Authenticity is the willingness to constantly learn and develop as a human being.  

Your value evolves over time or re-enforced itself through your very experience you encountered… It takes a lot of thought, it requires you to ask many questions about what you are saying and who you are being. 

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by Dogma which is living with the results of other people’s thinking” Steve Jobs.

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know who truly want to become

Are you ready to find out that Self?