10 Reasons Authenticity is Essential
Authenticity: a trait that is sadly hard to find in this mixed up world. Many people have lied to themselves and others so much that they have literally rewritten their own history and believe their own lies. Many wear a mask, projecting an image of smoke and mirrors, while possessing a completely different personality than they present to the public. Often if we try to hide something, it is something we are ashamed of, and does not represent our true self. Sometimes we are merely shy and afraid of being judged badly by others. We must realize that unless others truly know us well, their opinions are irrelevant, or sometimes it is simply a matter of personal preference. Therefore their opinions have no weight as to the value to your true self. We are all valuable and have the potential to offer meaning to the world.
The media, education system, and society, through its social norms, have also repeated many lies and propaganda, causing many to falsely believe they are free, for one. Deception and delusion are everywhere, and only a truth seeker who has really analyzed the world and themselves objectively and corrected any delusions/illusions can see past them. Authenticity is what is needed for us to grow, both individually, and as a species. Only if we are truly honest with ourselves and correct our problematic behaviors and delusions will we ever reach our true potentials.
1) You will shatter any illusions you may hold
Once you embark on the mission to live in authenticity and commit to it, you will examine yourself and the world around you in depth and most likely come across several inner and outer illusions and delusions you may have thought to be absolutely true. This does not, by any means, mean you are any less of a person than anyone else. In fact, the person with no illusions is likely a rarity; a result of having been raised by parents with no illusions themselves. Only by realizing our false perceptions will we be able to correct them and live in authenticity. Sometimes these illusions are even core beliefs, and will bring on an identity crisis when confronted. It may be painful; it may be scary; but this is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself and the world. This is your responsibility as a citizen on this planet, and a member of our society. This process will bring you into your own power, your own truth, and result in true, lasting happiness. It's beyond worth it. You will understand that doing good makes you feel good, and doing bad makes you feel bad, and correct any bad behaviors you may have. Follow your emotions. This will lead you to your authenticity.
2) You will know yourself better
Correcting your perception will change your entire world. You may not be the same person you were before, but you will be closer to your true self. You will know yourself better, and you will know what makes you happy, and that your happiness is essential to your well being. You will stop old patterns of negative thinking, as you will see them as pointless and a waste of time. You can heal your mindset completely. You will accept blame when it is due, and correct the problem and apologize. You will become your best version in knowing yourself better. You will become your own best friend. You will stop judging others and accept yourself and your past actions as they are, and resolve to correct old behaviors that have been harmful.
You will balance your ego. You will realize that many of us alternate between arrogance and self loathing, and begin to love yourself and all others unconditionally. This means wanting what's best for all, which in turn means making them aware of the truth and helping them shatter illusions. Only then will they find true happiness. You are not responsible for any pain they experience as a result of seeing the truth. It is all the result of an illusion they constructed. They may be angry with you at first, but the seed you've planted will likely eventually get through to them. You will see that egocentric living is harmful to the environment and in turn, yourself. A better whole is what's best for the parts. You will become determined to co-create a better world for future generations
3) More trustworthy
Being authentic will cause others to trust you more, as they will see you make mistakes and correct them, and see your words hold true value. You will keep promises, and likely make less of them because you will understand unforeseeable future events could cause you to break your word, which will be unacceptable to you. People will feel the weight of your words, because when you truly mean what you say, and make sure they are true, you emit the emotions you feel while speaking them, and some people can really pick up on that.
4) You will be happier
You will let go of so much stress of hiding past actions you are ashamed of, and covering up past lies you have told, or omissions, as you will know that you are now a person who would never do such things and are truly sorry for having done them. You will be free of the worry of people judging you, being confident that you are a good person, and living in integrity. You will stand up for yourself when needed, and respect others and their feelings. You will live with the freedom of a child, and embrace the necessity of play in your life. You will finally pursue the life of your dreams without reservation. You deserve that life. You deserve peace and happiness. This may mean letting go of that stressful job, but there is nothing wrong with letting it go, especially when you aren't respected or valued. You don't deserve that treatment.
5) Less Stress
Your stress levels will be considerably lower. This will manifest in better physical and mental health, and likely weight loss if you are having weight issues, as so many people are around the world. Cortisol is a powerful hormone, that when emitted in excess (when excessively stressed), will cause weight gain around the core. Your anxiety will subside. You will be less likely to have depression. I believe the stressful lifestyle of today's society is responsible for many of our physical and mental health problems. It's a logical conclusion.
6) True Friendships/Meaningful relationships
You will finally be able to have true friendships and meaningful relationships, as people will truly know you, as you are, and not as someone you pretend to be to impress others. This is a priceless gift you can give yourself and others. You will truly make the world a better place if you live authentically. You will do things for others not for show, or recognition, but simply because you want to, with no strings attached, no expectations of reward.
7) Respect
You will respect yourself more, and likely take care of yourself better. Your self respect and integrity will cause others to respect you more as well. People will treat you as you allow them to treat you. People will place value in you, because your words hold more value. You will have true power.
This does not mean you will not have conflicts. Conflict is a necessary part of life, and denotes a need to resolve two opposing views. You must defend the truth, but only if it is truly truth, and not just a belief, which many things are until they can be solidly proven. Never argue over belief, but always consider all beliefs, and respect the person. If it can't be proven either way, it is open to interpretation.
You will also begin to recognize many manipulators and subtle abusers, who tend to be the people living with illusions. You will call them out and let many people go from your life. The path may get lonely, but you will be happy in your own company and you will find the right kind of friends. You may feel guilty, but you cannot let people do this to you repeatedly and get away with it. You are telling them it's okay to be treated that way. It's best to let them go and hope they someday get better, even if it's a loved one.
8) Inner peace
You will find inner peace. You will finally be at ease with yourself. You will enjoy life more, and live life to its fullest, pursuing your passions and dreams. This is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself. It's priceless.
9) Better society
Society itself will become better through your transformation, and even better with others' transformations, which you will inspire just by your own and what you put out into he world. You will resolve to fight the outdated, bigoted ways that still pervade our society. You will call out those who perpetuate these things and resolve to create a better world around you and show youth the errors of the ways of the world so they are aware. This will eventually manifest in a truthful, prosperous, free, eco-friendly society. You will become determined to help make that a reality.
10) Better world/World Peace
You will help create a better world, and eventually world peace, in your newfound mission. This is the responsibility of all of us, as sentient beings on Earth. To shirk this responsibility is essentially genocide. This better world is not only possible, but essential to our survival and sustainability as a species and the sustainability of our planet. Not striving to create this world is ignorance to the extreme. Does that trigger you? Consider the possibility that your reality is in direct opposition to this truth. The truth can be hurtful, but is essential to everyone's well-being. I wish you all, and our world, the best.
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Infinite Love,
-Serendellion
