By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

Children age two to five, live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what they want or to speak their minds, unless they have been taught to fear or feel embarrassed to speak their truth.

Unfortunately, as children grow older, adults tend to instruct children to tuck that authenticity away, putting it aside and adapt to what is considered 'normal' in society.

Normal is what the majority of people have decided is acceptable behavior. I am not referring to the social graces and appropriate manners, as well as integrity and ethics. 

I am talking about speaking your truth about who you truly are—those characteristics, behaviors, passions and visions that make you uniquely you. 

Without being who you truly are, you will live life afraid that it might hinder your success.  If you are afraid to speak the truth about who you truly are, you will live life without discovering your full potential. 

Fortunately, we never fully abandon our authentic self.  We may conform to society while embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions, though it doesn't change the fact that we possess them.

It is important, however, to cultivate that youthful authenticity and self-interest for they are qualities that help make you who you truly are. The authentic you is your true self and, in living authentically, you live your truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who you truly are.

The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of others behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

It is important to be self-focused in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even the opinions of close friends and family.

Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom. If you value personal pursuits, don't feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors.

Conversely, if you seek success in business, don't let others' perception of what's right for you hold you back. Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you aren't acknowledging your true self.

In living your truth, there are no pretenses. Everything you do reflects the choices you make.

If you are unsure who the authentic you truly is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor your strengths and don't let yourself be guided by what others expect of you.

Finally, discover your passions by doing new things, and sticking with those things that stir your soul.

Finding who you truly are and then making the choice to embrace your true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful.

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” The Gospel of St. Thomas Logian

Unless you are willing to look into yourself, you will miss the opportunity to know the real you—a life spent, not in living, but in keeping your feelings, desires and dreams at bay.  If you look into yourself, you will confront your own, ‘enemy in the jungle.’ 

Unless you actively seek personal change through the hard work of introspection, you will, to some degree, have lived a non-authentic life and have been, to some degree, only a shadow of your true self.  This, then, is your greatest personal tragedy.

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Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, international speaker and inspirational leader empowers people to meet life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. Author of If I’d Only Known…Sexual Abuse in or out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, she has over twenty years experience.  http://www.drdorothy.net

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