1 of 100 Ways to Authenticity
One of the chapters in my book Authenticity Reawakened: The Path to OWNING Your Life’s Story and Fulfilling Your Purpose is called 100 Ways to Authenticity. I will share the full list with you in the blog over time, but you can, of course, see it for yourself if you purchase the book.
In addition to the tools and exercises in the book, I highlighted 100 different things you can do to know yourself better and to decide which aspects of yourself you’ll bring to work and life.
One way to be more authentic is to journal. There’s something very therapeutic about sitting down and writing to yourself. I don’t like rules about how this should be done, so I won’t provide you with any, but it’s a powerful practice.
I used to keep journals at work. I’d write down my “things to do”, I’d note how I felt about meetings or tasks, I’d draw, I’d set goals, etc. When I read those notes now, I understand and appreciate my personal journey.
In my book I share a journal entry that I made years ago. It captures how I felt in that moment and it shows how powerful journaling can be. Here’s what I wrote:
“I’m not paying attention to the people or things that matter most to me. I’m not productive. I feel that my mindset isn’t helpful to me. I’m worried about how I’m spending my time and I worry that I’ll look back at this time and regret how I’m spending it. I’m never 100% present! That’s not how I want to spend my life.”
That entry flowed freely, and it was exactly what I needed to know about myself at the time I wrote it. I was troubled but it wasn’t until I saw the words on the page that I realized why. Looking back at it, I can see that it’s also a reminder of why I don’t ever want to lose myself in the same way again.
You don’t need fancy notebooks or pens, but if those things will help you get in the habit of journaling then go ahead and get them. Just make some time to get in touch with your thoughts in your own way and I know that you’ll get insights that will help you get in touch with your authentic self.
I don’t know how this happens, but I believe that when you’re alone with your thoughts, you get the messages that you need. As you can see in the journal entry I shared above, it was a message I needed to hear but when I wrote it I was sad that this was how I felt.
Journaling is just one way of many to get in touch with yourself, but I hope you’ll give it a try.
Question: For those of you who have been journaling, how has it enriched your life and authenticity? What advice would you give to those who are just getting started?