Over the years you can get squashed into a box of what is expected of you without even knowing. And, eventually, once you get things figured out, you’re going to want to break out of that box, pursue your happiness, and just be you.
Being truly happy often comes from you finding your way back to yourself. Wouldn’t you agree? I think so.
So let’s take a look at four ways that can help you be unapologetically you; whatever that may look like to you.
1) Commit to Self
This is you making a commitment to yourself and not giving up. This is you keeping those promises to yourself regardless of what anyone else says or does. This is you saying, “no” when you need to and not feeling guilty about it. This is you showing up being you, authentically all the time.
As you become better at showing up being you authentically, why not reward yourself occasionally along the way. Do what feels right. Perhaps, something small like the new ink pen set you wanted, or go all out and treat yourself to something lavish like jewelry.
Rings with a lifetime service guarantee, a beautiful necklace with a special symbol, or something a little bit more permanent, like a tattoo. Either way, just be sure that every time you look at it, you are reminded of the meaning.
2) Live and speak your truth.
When you are true to yourself, it is one of the most freeing things. Isn’t it? So to live and speak your truth, take some time and reflect and be honest with who you are as a person.
Know what you stand for and what you do not stand for. Then acknowledge and accept the person who you are and move forward with confidence.
3) Niksen
Do nothing, as the Dutch say, niksen – nada.
And, what’s more important is to learn to do it without guilt. When we are so focused on ‘living our best lives’ or building empires, truly doing nothing doesn’t get factored in much.
Even when we are laying in bed, our minds are often focused on our next steps, what we have to do when we get up, who we need to email back… and so on.
So consider the art of intentionally doing nothing and just be in the moment, guilt-free.
4) Forgiveness
If you are holding on to grudges, or feeling put out by the smallest things, then you might find that a) your stress levels are pretty high and b) those toxic feelings are killing your good vibes. And, believe me. You want all the positive energy you can get.
It is hard to live a life of bliss when carrying toxic energy around with us. So it’s time to give serious consideration to all of the situations that have impacted you negatively – and work through forgiveness.
Forgiveness is an art that tends to be learned over time. So, take your time in working through matters.
Final Thoughts
Simply put, keep your promises that you make to yourself, stand in your truth, practice the art of just being in the moment, and work towards learning and practicing forgiveness, and you will be well on your way to enjoying your pure happiness and being unapologetically you.
This post originally appeared January 13, 2020.
