I remember hearing so many times as a child to “be yourself”. At the same time, there are so many influences around you that blur your vision of self-authenticity. It’s easy to lose yourself throughout life unless you hone in on who your authentic self really is. Here are a few tips to help you be who you are – “I AM”.
- Spend Time Alone
When you’re alone, you can hear your own thoughts about what you like and dislike. That still voice that you hear is Spirit. You discover new ideas. In that quietness, your Spirit can help guide you in the silence toward your purpose and goals in life. Knowing your purpose and goals will help to define the direction of your life.
- Appreciate the Inner View
During our lifetime, we are told by others to be or act in a certain way. Of course, there are general things that we’re told to do like honoring our parents, clapping in an audience as a way of support or being silent in a traditional ceremony. But there are time when we are told to be silent when we should be noisy. The late and great John Lewis in his role on Earth as an activist icon, civil rights leader and Congressman said “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble”. This applies to your own authentic self as well. In other words, feel how you feel about something instead of what you’re told to feel. Appreciate your inner view.
- Be Comfortably Confident
I know that sounds a bit strange but you are the only you in this world. If you know that you’re a “one of a kind”, a rare gem, then like a great dancer, you should move about with surety and confidence even if it’s uncomfortable. My father told me once that “However things turns out, it will be perfect”.
- Counter Negative Self Talk
It’s true that we can be our worst critic. So let’s be our best cheerleader or publicist. My dear friend, Michael Ben X Leonard said to me that my wife, MsEllaInspires, is my best publicist. What he meant was that she was always positive and encouraging about me. I just had to do the same with myself. I began to use the “I Am” affirmations that apply to me. I sometimes would point at myself and repeat over and over “I Am…” Start telling yourself the opposite of what negative thoughts you may have whenever they occur. Also, make I”I AM’ affirmations part of your daily routine.
- Forgive Yourself and Move Forward
I’m not unflawed but I strive to change whatever flaws I discover. I often say that there are no angels worshipping me so I’m not perfect. It starts with accepting the imperfections and then letting them go. Examine how and what circumstances were influencing those flaws. Forgive yourself for the mistakes, put a plan of correction in place, and move forward. Remember, “Dwelling there keeps you there”.
- Claim Your Authentic Self
I AM….. Say it! Add to the phrase who and what you are. Remember, you are what you say you are. AN ancient Kemetic (African) saying that is inscribed above all the temples of higher learning is “Man Know Thyself”. Claiming who you are allows you to be bold, joyful and confident. Remember, you are the only you on the planet. Uniquely made. The Authentic “I AM”.
