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What Does It Mean to be Authentic?

How each of us lives authentically is as unique as our fingerprints. Here’s what it means for Mindful readers.

Adobe Stock/cienpiesnf

What does it mean to be authentic?

# Alt Text A smiling woman with arms raised stands in front of a rainbow mural painted on a white brick wall.
@chillchief says her
mindfulness practice
has helped her
embrace anxiety and
stay in the present.

“To accept myself with love and compassion, and follow my path with joy and gratitude.“
– Candace Z.

“It means to be honest about what’s in my head and heart, but in a way that’s mutually respectful and productive.”
@willingham2271

“My definition of authenticity is to be who you are, no matter where you are or who you are with. Truly yourself at all times.”
– Marlene F.

“Staying true to yourself <3”
@m0rethan.fitness

“I think it’s when you’re unfiltered. You’re truly yourself. And you are living into your core values. You’re not trying to fit in or impress anyone. You willingly show your imperfections and vulnerabilities without shame or guilt.” – Claire L.

“Authenticity is when our words, our thoughts, our actions, and our emotions are in alignment.”
@wellnesswithbryce

Two young women holding up colorful magazines and smiling at the camera.
@megan.burnside
made vision boards
inspired by @balancewithburnside
featuring artwork
from Mindful.

How do you show up for yourself?

“When my body tells me ‘enough for now,’ I listen, I stop, and then I rejuvenate.”
@herwithin

“By being present.”
@instajmarsh

Does mindfulness help you be your true self?

96% Yes
4% No

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