Authentic life from the Lense of a Nurse Coach

Why is everyone saying to be authentic? It is simple, so many of us have learned how to create an image of the person we “think” we should be, and we live behind a mask all day long. If you don’t fit the mold, then we are likely to not be accepted by others.

However, when we are authentic, we add so much value to our life and to the others around us. Being authentic in your personal life is essential but it is also vital in your career. Three things that I have learned about being authentic are: realize who you are, find nourishment, and being fully present in the moment.

Realize who you are …

So, who are you? What makes you, you? Our culture constantly wants to put labels on everything, including people! Individuals. Just because one person says something negative about you does not mean that is who you are. Those people have not worked in your shoes, they do not live your life and they are not your people.

Many times, people get so lost or too involved in their careers that they can simply lose a sense of who they are due to the heavy demands of their workplace. Or they could be in a toxic environment that is loaded with temptation and gossip that overflows our brain to the point we are exhausted without even knowing it. Once they hit that point, they no longer have the energy for their family, friends and definitely not for themselves. They simply forgot who they are at the core.

What do you enjoy? When do you feel like your best self? It brings me so much sadness when someone tells me they don't have any hobbies or even worse they don’t have time for a hobby. You guys... this is a lie! The fact is we are just not making the time to simple enjoy and be ourselves.

Nourish your soul …

What brings you nourishment? I am talking besides whole foods because that is only part of the equation when it comes to our wellbeing. What things can you begin to do that will bring nourishment into your life? Is it a nature walk with your dogs, a hike with your favorite person, swinging on a playground with your children (connecting with that inner child), or is it a late-night yoga class? Possibly it is just cuddling in your favorite chair reading a book, being in prayer or meditation. Don’t show any judgment towards yourself here because it will look different for everyone. Each individual is unique and will find nourishment for themselves in a unique way.

We need to be aware of the importance of nourishment. Nourishment is some of the groundwork for personal growth. We all need personal growth in our lives. Have you ever heard the saying, “I am too old to change now.”? My dear friends, this is a scary place to be. This is a dark place to be stuck in. Take a moment and visualize a beautiful healthy plant. What are the plant’s daily needs? The plant needs sunshine, water, and food to grow and maintain its health, correct? So, what happens when a plant stops growing? It now is no longer receiving that vital nourishment, love, and care. Yup - you got it. It dies.

IT DIES. This is the same of us when we stop growing and receiving nourishment, the cells in our body start to age, our immune system slows down. This is the start of our bodies declining, our cells becoming impaired and destroyed which is when illness/ disease arise. Now, is that what you desire you want? I sure do not. I want to live life fully, until my last breath, always working on myself and improving my life not only for myself but for those around me as well. Nourish your soul to be the person you were designed to be.

Being fully present in the moment …

This is one that I am still learning how to do. How often do we find ourselves in a situation, but our minds are totally somewhere else? We are physically present but not mentally present. Your thoughts can be so dangerous and can literally destroy our body when we let negative emotions and thoughts invade. Unfortunately, I have been here far too many times then I would like to admit. But it is the truth, and I am sharing this to you because we all have or will experience these suffocating thoughts “feeling trapped”. These thoughts can literally make you feel like a prisoner but know that you are not alone. The fact is that not many people talk about this. Again, when we do we get labeled. You're a wonderful human being and it is time to embrace that and let go of these negative thoughts. Let go of that to-do list that never goes away. We all fall short, every single one of us- it is part of being human. So how can you keep yourself fully present?

First, recognize these thoughts and let them go or put them aside and deal with them later. Begin by taking a few long deep breaths. This allows more oxygen to flow into your cells and revitalize you. It also sends signals to your brain that says everything is okay. It also helps improve your attention, concentration, and focus. Be mindful where you are,

actually, touch and notice objects around you. This helps keep your thoughts in check and lets you experience more joy in the moment.

Life goes way too fast on earth for us to not be living in an authentic way. Life can have ugly moments but the whole journey is absolutely beautiful. Be kind to yourself today and remember to live the life you were created to live.