Empower Women to Live Purposefully and Joyfully

G e n u i n e : E m b r a c i n g Yo u r A u t h e n t i c S e l f

In a world filled with endless distractions, societal pressures, and expectations, it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. The pursuit of success, relationships, and status can sometimes push us to wear masks, hiding our authentic selves from the world. But what if the key to living a truly fulfilling and meaningful life lies in embracing our genuine selves—the one God created us to be?

The "She is Glory" program is rooted in the belief that true power and peace come from living authentically. Today, we’re diving into what it means to embrace your authenticity, why it's crucial for your well-being, and how aligning with your true self brings you closer to God’s purpose for your life. The Power of Vulnerability Being genuine requires vulnerability. It means allowing the world to see us as we truly are, with all our strengths, flaws, and insecurities. Renowned researcher Brené Brown defines vulnerability as the “birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.”

Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s the greatest measure of courage. Scripture supports this truth. In Psalm 139:14, we are reminded: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." God created each of us intentionally, with unique gifts, perspectives, and purpose. Living authentically honors His creation, and it’s through vulnerability that we allow ourselves to be seen, known, and loved, both by others and by God.

Cutting-Edge Research: The Psychology of Authenticity Recent studies in psychology emphasize the importance of authenticity in mental health and overall well-being. Authentic living leads to lower stress levels, reduced anxiety, and an increase in selfesteem. When we align our actions, thoughts, and behaviors with our true selves, we create a sense of coherence, which is essential for mental and emotional health.

Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who reported living authentically experienced greater life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and anxiety. Living inauthentically, on the other hand, was linked to emotional exhaustion and feelings of disconnection from others. This aligns with the biblical call to live in truth. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The truth about who we are, when fully embraced, leads to a life of freedom.

Action Steps: Living More Authentically Conclusion Living a genuine life is not just about being true to yourself; it’s about honoring the person God created you to be. It’s about stepping into the fullness of His design for your life, free from the constraints of societal expectations or fear of judgment.

As you begin to live more authentically, you’ll find a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose. 1. Daily Self-Reflection Begin each day by asking yourself a simple but profound question: “Am I living in alignment with my true self?” This question encourages you to reflect on the areas of your life where you might be wearing masks or hiding your authenticity. Journaling your reflections will help you become more aware of the areas where you can step into your true self. 2. Embrace Imperfections Often, we hide parts of ourselves because we fear they are not "good enough." But your imperfections are part of your unique design. Make peace with them. Write a letter to yourself acknowledging the parts of you that feel inadequate and practice selfcompassion. Remember, God uses every part of us for His purpose, even our perceived weaknesses. 3. Affirmations of Authenticity Speak truth over yourself every day. Affirmations such as, "I am worthy just as I am," or "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" can shift your mindset and remind you of your inherent value in God’s eyes. 4. Surround Yourself with People Who Value You Seek out relationships that encourage and celebrate your true self. When we surround ourselves with people who accept us for who we are, it becomes easier to live authentically. If you are in relationships where you feel the need to hide or change who you are, it may be time to reevaluate their role in your life. 5. Prayer for Guidance Spend time in prayer asking God to help you embrace your true self. Pray for the courage to be vulnerable, the strength to live authentically, and the wisdom to know when you’re stepping outside of His design for you. A simple prayer could be: "Lord, help me live in the fullness of who You created me to be. Give me the courage to be genuine, even when it feels difficult. Let my authenticity be a reflection of Your glory."

Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. When you live in alignment with that truth, you reflect God’s glory to the world. Embrace your authenticity, knowing that you are enough, just as you are. Call to Action If you're ready to step more fully into your authentic self, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me. Together, we’ll explore how you can live a life that reflects your true self, aligned with God’s purpose for you. Let’s uncover where you may be holding back and guide you in living more fully as the person God created you to be.

References

Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books. Brown, B. (2010). The Power of Vulnerability [TED Talk]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008). The authentic personality: A theoretical and empirical conceptualization, and the development of the Authenticity Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385-399. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.55.3.385 Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R. M., Rawsthorne, L. J., & Ilardi, B. (1997). Trait self and true self: Cross-role variation in the Big Five personality traits and its relations with psychological authenticity and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(6), 1380-1393. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.6.1380 Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (New International Version) John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (New International Version) Harter, S., Waters, P., & Whitesell, N. R. (1998). Authenticity and self-esteem in adolescence: Consistency across domains, causes, and consequences. Journal of Adolescence, 21(3), 467-474. https://doi.org/10.1006/jado.1998.016