Can you recall a time when you only said what you thought others wanted to hear? Or, when you reluctantly chose a path because you wanted to please others?

We remember the times when we functioned as our authentic self, don’t we? We can usually identify when we present our truth, versus a falsehood, to others. We understand the difference between behaviors that express the essence of our true self and those that cause us to not feel genuine.

When we honestly presented the attributes of our true nature to others, we felt validated. We also recall those instances when we betrayed ourselves and acted inauthentically. Subsequently, we felt at odds with the truth of our inner being.

If we state our true opinions, and act in a way we believe is right for us, we divulge who we truly are inside. We achieve authenticity when our actions align with our personal beliefs and values. And a lack of agreement with these two aspects of our lives normally produces a negative emotional response in us. This phenomenon leads us to recognize the concept of our true or authentic self.

Research finds considerable connection between authenticity and wellness. Thus, maintaining authenticity is certainly a worthy goal for us to strive for in our lives.