Find your authentic self
Imagine the pure joy of baring it all and running with the wind on a deserted island beach. So freeing! That’s how good it feels to uncover your most authentic self, your inner core. That place inside of you where you are balanced, healthy, happy and strong.
Now I’m not advocating that you go out into the world and take your clothes off. But I am urging you to shed the ugly beliefs and attitudes that sabotage living your authentic life. Discover the most glorious adventure of your lifetime – getting to know the real you.
If I close my eyes, I can transport myself back to my childhood. I remember frolicking through a yard filled with dandelions. I was light-hearted and free, merrily picking a bouquet of “flowers” for my mom. I had no cares or worries. I was happy and whole. Life was so simple.
I was connected to my most authentic self. I was powerful, even invincible. I believed I could do anything. Didn’t even question it. I hadn’t yet developed the crippling trio of negativity, doubt and fear.
Then I grew up and things weren’t so simple anymore. Now it’s more of a challenge to recapture that unstoppable spirit that can only be found in my authentic core.
But rather than resort to baring it all (collective sigh of relief), there’s a more acceptable path to regaining our true power. A new mindset can help us unite with the vital, joyful, and authentic part of ourselves.
Living with An Island Perspective includes experiencing a simple, yet deeply meaningful life. Here are some ways to return to your inner core:
Slow down. Why are you in such a hurry? Take time to breathe in the fresh ocean air. Reflect before you act. Listen before you make decisions. Figure out your highest priorities and deepest values, your most centering personal goals and dreams. Then shape your life around them.
Change your mind. Like sand on a beach, there’s a gazillion thoughts constantly running through your head. How do you sift through them all? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused with all those negative internal stories. You don’t have to change everything to live your authentic life – just change your mind.
Listen to your body. It speaks volumes about your physical and emotional needs. It tells you when you’re tired or over-stressed. It knows when things aren’t going so well. Simple things from incessant yawning to body aches to the inability to relax are all signals that something is not quite right.
Streamline your stuff. Are you in a giant race acquiring stuff that you think you REALLY need – things meant to make you happier? No thanks to the amazing finesse and talent of marketers, you are continually bombarded with messages about things you simply can’t live without. But the race never ends – until you decide it’s over. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or filling you with joy.
Take back your power. Rather than be controlled by external circumstances, commitments and responsibilities, decide how you want to spend your time. Be proactive in living your own exhilarating, purposeful and heartfelt life. You have the power to create your own reality.
Be honest with yourself and uncover your own naked truth. Strip away all those layers that disrupt your inner joy and tranquility – your authentic life. This may include certain thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. Clarify your true goals and intentions. Put your life in perspective.
Your greatness lies in continually being and becoming who you really are. Reconnect with your true, authentic nature. At your core, underneath all the “clothes,” you will unveil a beautiful heart of love and tranquility. Discover yourself.
What are some techniques you use to uncover your authentic self?
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Join the island tribe at facebook.com/IslandPerspective.
Coming soon! The complete guide . . . An Island Perspective – Finding the Path to Tropical Tranquility
About Renee
Absolutely love your island perspective, Renee. Having grown up as a child in Hawai’i, I can understand and remember living without self-imposed fears and stigmas. I remember running around my elementary school playground during recess, being chased by my friends because I had a bag of candy!
I think it helps to visualize being a naked spirit to help us reconnect with our inner selves. But one does wonder if a run in the bare along the beach doesn’t help at least help “jolt” that inner spirit. (not that I’m about to go streaking or anything.)
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment!
I’m so happy you could relate so well to my childhood. We grew up in different worlds, you in Hawaii and me in Kansas, yet we still experienced the same sense of joy and freedom. How cool is that! I love your concept of using our naked spirit to reconnect with our inner core. And if you want to go streaking, I’m okay with that too.
I truly LOVE the beach and am lucky enough to spend time there almost everyday (although not naked). And it truly helps me have a better perspective. My son even calls it my “source”.
But I find having an island perspective in your mind does take more work and all of your insight helps a great deal Renee!
One other thing that helps me return to my peaceful inner core when something is keeping me from it is…speak it – just tell someome I trust deeply about it. Not whine or complain, just simply say I am feeling this way about. For me, as soon as I speak how it is easier for me to let it flow or go and move on to more peace.
That and ALWAYS reading your blog!
Thank you Edie! Great tip about speaking to someone that you trust when you have something on your mind. Things usually do seem better when you can talk it out with someone who cares about you. You are lucky to live near the beach. I go there in my mind regularly (less sand to deal with), but love to visit in person as much as I can too! The ocean is a powerful “source” for all of us!
Renee,
Thank you for blowing a wind of inspiration!
I relate with your Island perspective 100%. Our lives can be easy or difficult, it just depends on our perspectives. It’s possible to be ourselves, be happy for it and even get paid for it. We overcomplicate things because we intellectualize our lives. Harmony, peace, Love and Joy are about following our hearts too. I’m right now in Ibiza for vacation, when I see nature’s beauty it reminds me that our own beauty can expand following the rhythm of the seasons and give birth to the best of ourselves.
Renee, keep on writing with your soul, you’re an inspiration for many.
Hi Steve,
I love your phrase “blowing a wind of inspiration!” Wow! Thank you for your kind words. You are a prime example of someone who is living with An Island Perspective. Harmony, peace, love and joy! That’s what life is all about. Isn’t it amazing how our thoughts determine what kind of life we will have. It really is all in our mind. You are clearly marching to the beat of your own drum. Such an inspiration for others! Enjoy your vacation. I know you will carry the beauty and tranquility home with you too!
My favorite childhood “authentic self” moment was in Arizona where I grew up. I was watering a tree that we had in our front yard as I stood watching the most glorious sunset in the horizon over the mountains. I was filled with pure love that I let out by singing “America/My Country Tis of Thee” with abandon, at the top of my lungs! I remember feeling so “connected” carefree and just plain happy
~Tele @BIGstLittleCity @WomanWifeMomMe
What a beautiful story Tele! I felt like I was right there with you! Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope you’re able to recapture that childhood “authentic self” from time to time. So refreshing and rejuvenating to your body, mind and spirit. Those moments of bliss are still available to all of us. We just have to be open and free to notice them. Our simple everyday experiences seem to end up being the most joyful and fulfilling.
Wow! Powerful message. I loved my childhood, being so free with not a care in the world. Then we grow up and take on the world. So I can relate. I’m going to follow your tips, I need to slow down and enjoy life more. I’m working on freeing myself, I now take Mondays off and do whatever I want!
I really enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you!
Thank you Peggy for the kind words. I am so happy to hear that you are choosing to slow down and enjoy life more. You are an inspiration! I think we all tend to push ourselves too hard, trying to achieve more and more, be more and more. Sadly, this often leads to a stressful and unfulfilled life – far from the tranquil journey we really want our lives to be. Thanks for sharing what you’re doing to uncover your naked truth!
Hi Renee, this post really resonates with me. I especially like it when you said, “you don’t have to change your life, you just have to change your mind.” Unfortunately, a lot of people who haven’t experienced this kind of change probably won’t truly get what you meant. But, many posts like these and people like you that will hopefully help them do just that.
I agree with what you said about listening to your body as well. When I can’t get a good night’s rest, I know something is off with my eating habits or I’m just stressing myself out too much which tells me it’s time to slow down and lay off the caffeine a little bit…haha.
Thanks for a truly inspirational post!
Anna
Anna,
I’m glad you honed in on the “change your mind” comment. Like you say, this is not necessarily an easy thing to do. But by being aware of our thoughts, we truly can change our life. The mind is a powerful instrument that determines how good (or bad!) we feel at any given moment. Good point about taking care of your health to facilitate a good night’s sleep. I’ve learned that I need to cut out the caffeine starting mid-afternoon or I won’t sleep well that night. But everyone is different. The key is paying attention to what works for you. Thanks for the insightful comment!
I really like that phrase “Take back your power.” So true, so true. So many times I hear people complain (myself included) and the power is in us all, make the choice to see the positive and then we can be our authentic selves.
One of the techniques I use is what you advocate about letting go of your stuff. Its so hard but so liberating. I recently moved to Washington state from Arizona out of a home I’d lived in for 10 years. Preparing for the move the first place I started packing was the closet. I had clothes in there from ’80s. Not one or two things LOTS of out fits. The furniture, dishes, bedroom sets – all from the ’80s. I could go on but you probably get the drift. Its overwhelming to try & hold on to all that stuff. So for the first time in my life I had a garage sale – sold everything. Lesson learned: If you life is clutter with stuff there is no room for your future. Thank you for the lovely post.
Pat, I’m so happy to hear that you’re going to practice taking back your power. I agree that we often forget that we have the power of choice and especially how we think. Our mind is our most valuable tool. We can practice managing our thoughts in a positive and productive way. It really is key to leading happier and more authentic lives. Thanks for your comment!
Lisa, I can so relate to the overflowing closet. I now try to purge my closet at least once a year. But it’s never easy. Why is it so hard to let go of the old stuff? I think it’s more than the financial value of something. We have an emotional attachment to a lot of our stuff and connect them to some of our happiest memories. Makes it easy to see why we want to hold on to them. But to live our authentic lives, letting go of “what was” is part of the process. It really does feel exhilarating once you commit to letting go. Thanks for sharing your experience!
A very powerful message Renee. We all tend to move too fast, not stopping to smell the roses, or take in the ocean scent, constantly keeping up with the Joneses, because we allow outside influences to run our lives. I love the part about taking your power back. That really resonated with me. Thanks for a great post!
Thanks, Anne, for your perspective. It’s so easy to get caught up with the day-to-day treadmill of life, isn’t it? We forget what’s important and do things we don’t even want to do. I like your suggestion of slowing down to take in the ocean scent. Just breathe! And then re-calibrate our lives to be purposeful and meaningful for us – not just how others think we should be. It’s time to uncover that unstoppable spirit!
I totally believe in the “island”mentality. About 8 years ago I decided to get off my fast pace city life (fast in all ways) and moved from Chicago to the small town of Bodega, by myself and not knowing anyone! Today, married (after 19 years of being single) doing the work I love, closer to my family of birth then ever and with a beautiful grand daughter! Life is heavenly when you slow down and take stock!
What a beautiful story! You really do live with An Island Perspective Irene. Thanks for showing us how to do it. Would love to hear more about your transition into creating the life of your dreams!
Love the idea of putting your mind on the beach! I help my clients all the time to put their stuff to work for them – serene & embracing environment at home, makes your life a thing of beauty. Great post Renee.
A serene environment is so important to helping us maintain our peace and tranquility, whether it’s internal or external. While it all starts in our mind, it sure doesn’t hurt to surround ourselves with beauty. Thanks for your comment Jen!