Living Authentically: How to Choose Yourself Each and Every Day
Hey there, gorgeous.
Let me ask you a question.
How often do you put yourself first?
Not in a selfish way, but in an “I’m caring for my own needs so I can show up as my best self” kind of way.
That’s what I mean when I use the phrase ‘choose yourself.’ Sounds empowering, doesn’t it?
But truthfully, it’s a practice many of us women find difficult to incorporate into our day-to-day lives.
This post is your guide to living authentically by choosing yourself each and every day.
We’ll explore what it means to choose yourself, delve into its connection with authentic living, and discover how making this powerful choice can influence different areas of your life.
By the end, I hope you’ll feel inspired and motivated to make choosing yourself a daily habit.
After all, there’s only one you in this world, and you deserve to be chosen, every single day. 💕
Shall we begin? 😉
Understanding What ‘Choosing Yourself’ Really Means
Choosing yourself is all about prioritizing your needs, your wants, and your aspirations.
It’s about valuing your own well-being and happiness as much as you value those of the people you care about. It’s about taking ownership of how you spend your time and energy and living a life that is consistent with your heart’s deepest desires.
It also means saying yes to who you are right now and saying no to anything that doesn’t align with your true self.
Imagine you’re on a plane, and the oxygen masks drop down. You’ve probably heard the safety briefing before takeoff: “Secure your own mask before helping others.” This isn’t because we want to be selfish. It’s because we can’t effectively help others if we’re struggling for air ourselves. The same principle applies to our day-to-day lives. When you choose yourself first, you’re better equipped to help and care for those around you.
Choosing yourself might look like saying ‘no’ to a social event because you need rest.
Or, it could look like deciding to invest in a personal trainer because you want to feel healthier and more energetic.
It might also look like leaving a job that no longer fulfills you, even if it’s secure and well-paid.
To put it simply, choosing yourself is about being true to YOU.
It’s about embracing who you are, what you need, and what you desire out of life.
Because at the end of the day, you’re the one who’s going to live with the choices you make.
So why not make choices that make you happy, fulfilled, and true to who you really are?
You’re worthy of choosing yourself, gorgeous. Always remember that.
Benefits of Choosing Yourself
The Connection Between Choosing Yourself and Living Authentically
So how does choosing yourself tie into the idea of living authentically?
Well, when you ‘choose yourself,’ you give yourself permission to be your most authentic self. You live according to your own values and beliefs, not someone else’s expectations. You honor your truth, and you let your real self shine.
Sounds a lot like choosing yourself, right?
That’s because when you choose yourself, you’re essentially giving yourself the green light to be your most genuine self.
When you choose to prioritize your needs, follow your dreams, or simply allow yourself to be YOU in all your glorious uniqueness, you’re living authentically.
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of living our lives to please others, conforming to society’s expectations or standards, or even adhering to the images we’ve curated on social media.
But when we do this, we’re living someone else’s version of our life, not our own.
When you choose yourself, you allow your true self to shine.
You move beyond people-pleasing, beyond societal norms, and into a space where you’re free to be you, in all your authenticity.
You align your choices with your true values and desires, not someone else’s.
When you make decisions from this place of authenticity, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving.
You’re not just existing; you’re living.
And isn’t that what we all want? To live our lives, not just go through the motions?
So as you can see, choosing yourself and living authentically are two sides of the same coin. Each one reinforces and strengthens the other.
When you choose yourself, you live more authentically. And when you live authentically, you naturally choose yourself more often.
Not only will choosing yourself transform your life into a more authentic reflection of who you truly are, but it will also pave the way for personal growth and lasting happiness.
Ready to explore how this looks in the different areas of your life?
Let’s dive deeper.
The Importance of Choosing Yourself in Various Aspects of Life
Ok gorgeous, it’s time to explore how the magic of choosing yourself can influence different areas of your life.
Your Personal Life
Choosing yourself in your personal life could mean setting boundaries with your time and energy. It’s like saying ‘no’ to an overpacked schedule or taking a mental health day when you need it. Remember, it’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s necessary. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Think about your hobbies and passions. Are you dedicating time to them?
They are a part of who you are and what makes you happy. So, choosing yourself could mean setting aside an hour each day to delve into that book you’ve been wanting to read or joining a dance class to twirl around to your heart’s content.
Your Professional Life
Now, let’s talk about work. We all want to be successful, but at what cost?
Choosing yourself in your professional life might mean deciding to leave a job that makes you feel unappreciated or stressed out, even if it pays well (I did so last year and I don’t regret it for one minute!).
It could mean choosing a job or starting a business that fulfills you and aligns with your values, even if others don’t understand your decision.
Consider this. When it’s time to upgrade your skills, do you invest in yourself? Choosing yourself can also mean enrolling in that course you’ve been eyeing, or carving out time for self-development and learning.
Work-life balance also plays a huge part here. Make sure that you’re not overworking yourself and investing too much into a job that’s draining you of all your energy. If you’re working late into the night regularly, then it’s time to ask yourself – are you really choosing yourself?
Your Social Life
The people you surround yourself with can really either boost up or bring down your vibe. And when it comes to relationships and your social life, if you’re not choosing yourself, chances are the people around you aren’t either.
If someone is making you feel less than worthy or causing unnecessary drama, it’s probably time for some tough love. It’s okay to distance yourself from toxicity. You deserve relationships that bring joy, respect, and positivity into your life. It might be time to choose yourself and leave them behind.
When you choose yourself, your relationships can actually improve.
Yes, you read that right.
You’ll attract and maintain healthier relationships, as you won’t settle for less than you deserve. Plus, by taking care of your own needs, you’ll be able to give more to others without feeling drained.
And then there’s the challenge of societal norms and peer pressure.
Choosing yourself means staying true to your beliefs, even if they’re unpopular. It means pursuing your unique passion, even if it doesn’t meet societal expectations. Remember, your happiness should never be compromised for fitting in.
Your health is a direct reflection of how much you love and care for yourself. When it comes to taking care of your body, make sure that you are choosing quality foods that nourish and energize your body and mind.
Choose yourself by taking time out each day or week to do something that brings joy into your life like yoga, meditation, or even just going for a walk. These activities have been shown to help reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Also, take a proactive approach to your health and wellness by seeing a doctor for regular check-ups and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. Taking care of yourself now will pay off in the long run.
Next up, let’s address some common barriers that might come in the way of choosing yourself and how we can navigate them.
Common Barriers to Choosing Yourself
Alright beautiful, it’s time we talk about some of the obstacles that might be standing in your way of choosing yourself.
Recognizing these barriers is the first step towards breaking them down, so let’s face them head-on, shall we?
Fear of Being Selfish
This is a big one. Many of us women are nurturers by nature.
We’re so used to putting others first that the idea of prioritizing ourselves can feel, well, a little uncomfortable.
It might even feel selfish.
But remember what we discussed earlier?
Choosing yourself is not about disregarding others, it’s about acknowledging your own needs and taking care of them.
You’re no less of a caring, loving person because you choose to prioritize yourself.
In fact, when you’re happier and more fulfilled, you’ll have even more love and care to share with others.
Guilt and Obligation
Ah, the guilt trap.
Feeling obligated to live up to others’ expectations can hold us back from choosing ourselves.
Whether it’s societal pressure to follow a certain path or familial expectations to fulfill certain roles, these can create guilt when we want to make choices for ourselves.
The truth is though, the only expectations you need to live up to are your own!
Your life is yours to live.
Feel empowered to make decisions that align with your desires and values, not just your obligations.
Fear of Judgement
Fear of what others may think or say can be a significant barrier to choosing yourself.
But remember, everyone has their own journey, and what works for one person might not work for you.
It’s your life, your path.
You have every right to make choices that suit you, even if others might not understand them.
Our lives aren’t meant to be a performance for others; it’s about your own personal journey of growth, discovery, and happiness.
Lack of Self-Worth
Sometimes, we may feel like we’re not ‘enough’ or that we don’t deserve to prioritize our own needs and desires.
But let me remind you, you are enough just as you are. And you are deserving of love, care, and happiness.
Recognizing these barriers is the first step to living more authentically and choosing yourself each and every day.
Keep reading to find out how you can begin to break down those barriers and start confidently choosing yourself, each and every day.
7 Simple Ways to Choose Yourself Each and Every Day
Now, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for.
It’s time to talk about some concrete steps that you can take each day to choose yourself.
These aren’t drastic, life-altering changes either. Instead, they’re small but significant shifts in your daily routine and mindset that can help you prioritize yourself more often.
1. Start Your Day with Self-Care
Begin each day by doing something just for you. It could be a ten-minute meditation, a quick workout, or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. This simple act sets the tone for the day and sends a powerful message to yourself: I am important, and I deserve this time for myself.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Remember, it’s okay to say ‘no’. You don’t have to agree to every request or favor. Establish boundaries for your time, energy, and emotions. And once they’re in place, honor them. It’s not just okay to do this—it’s essential.
3. Prioritize Your Passions
Ensure there’s time in your schedule for the activities you love. Whether it’s painting, reading, hiking, or anything else that brings you joy, make it non-negotiable. It’s an integral part of choosing yourself.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Stay connected with your feelings, needs, and desires. Check in with yourself throughout the day and ask: How am I feeling? What do I need right now? Being mindful helps keep your focus on yourself.
5. Invest in Personal Growth
Never stop learning, growing, and exploring. Whether it’s attending workshops, reading self-help books, or seeking professional help such as counseling or coaching, investing in your personal growth is a powerful way to choose yourself.
6. Surround Yourself with Positive People
Choose to be around people who uplift, support, and inspire you. Eliminate or reduce contact with people who drain your energy. You have the right to choose who gets to be in your life.
7. Celebrate Yourself
Finally, always remember to celebrate yourself. Celebrate your achievements, your growth, and even your failures (because they mean you’ve tried – and that counts!). Regularly practicing self-appreciation helps you stay connected with your worth.
Choosing yourself isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey that unfolds every single day, each moment.
But every step you take on this path brings you closer to living a more authentic, fulfilling life.
And you deserve nothing less.
Our Journey’s End
And there you have it.
We’ve journeyed through understanding what choosing yourself truly means, its deep connection with authentic living, its importance across all aspects of our lives, the common barriers we often face, and the steps we can take each day to actively choose ourselves.
I truly believe that when you choose yourself, you create a ripple effect in your life.
You make choices that align with your authentic self, your health and happiness improve, and you give yourself the freedom to live a life that genuinely reflects who you are.
And that, gorgeous, is the true essence of living authentically.
Now, it’s your turn.
How are you going to choose yourself today?
Maybe it’s starting that hobby you’ve always wanted to try, setting a boundary with a friend or family member, or investing in your personal growth.
The choice is yours.
Just make sure you START.
Start small, start now.
Choose yourself and live your best life! 🤩
Related: Free Live Your Best Life Planner Printable
Until next time,
Keep Shining! 🌟
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