5 Steps to Becoming Authentic

Most often as a result of us being normal humans we end up seeing one mistake in us out of a thousand beautiful things created in and for us. It is very easy for one to spend a whole day winning about the things that seem "not okay" rather than appreciate the ones that are in fact okay. The struggle is usually real and unfortunately, I too become a victim. What I am about to share with you today, regardless of who you are (or what others may say about you), are some of the steps I took in order to overcome the fear that suppresses and discouraged me to believe that I would never measure up. I know that there may be someone out there that will benefit from one (if not all 😀) of these beneficial points.

#1: Acknowledge that God created you for a reason.

With everything that happens in our lives, it becomes very easy for us to deviate our focus from the one who is the author and finisher of our faith, especially when everything that happens is not as pleasing as we would want it to be. The good news is that God has great and wonderful plans for our lives. And the mystery is, some of them are not always easy to understand. God encourages us through His word which is filled with timely treasure-like packed scriptures that help us get back on the path when we stray away, knowingly or not.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to  give you hope and future." 

Psalm 33:11 "The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations"

#2: Declare to yourself every day that you are made for more.

It is very easy for us to believe in our heart that God loves us and that He has great plans for our lives, and still live a defeated-like life. This is where FAITH comes in. We have to keep on reminding ourselves every day that we are made for more. It has to get into our system! Affirming to myself every morning right after waking up, during the day as I run errands, during my free time when it seems like I am doing well, when it seems like I am not doing well, basically, every time of my day, has become almost like my daily routine. I say "almost", because I am not yet there, it is a journey, a process that requires a lot of patience and resilience in order to make it through the other side. I'll share a scripture that might help you with affirming to oneself, especially during the seemingly hard moments you may come across: Philippians 4:13 "I can do ALL thing through Christ who strengthens me."

#3: Allow your mistakes to build you, not break you.

This can become a tricky one if you are struggling with resentment after "defeat'. I have been there, and I understand completely how it feels. But always remember, nothing is impossible with God. Making mistakes let alone experiencing the shame and guilt that come after is not an experience I would wish to relive at any point in life. But the worst thing is that within the confusion of discouragement and regret the only thought that comes into mind is "I wish I never(...)", and before we know it, we start avoiding areas or circumstances that may result in making mistakes similar or related to the previous ones. This is where Fear creeps in, and in no time, we become afraid to do things that are even beneficial to us and our loved ones. In short, we all make mistakes, and we'll always be prone to them because we are humans. But we should not at any moment allow our genuine mistakes to pull us down and prevent us from seeing the bigger picture. Yes, it is okay to make genuine mistakes, for as long as we learn a thing or two from them. Train yourself through the help of the Holy Spirit to analyze your errors, and to gracefully learn from them. Let the setbacks build you to become a better person, and never break you. Never!

Proverbs 24:16 "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin."

#4: Have a shoulder you can lean on.

Have someone you can open up to when you are at your lowest moments. When about to give up, even the smallest form of encouragement can really change everything. Disclaimer: this must be someone you know and who is confidential and trustworthy, someone whom you can "vent" to. Speaking it out helps to heal. Never harbor grudges, regrets, negative thoughts, or even overwhelming discouragements, the aftermath damage will lead you to step one, and I know, that's not what you want. Just like the word of God tells us in Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil."   If you feel like you may not be comfortable with sharing your experiences with anyone at the moment, remember that Jesus is a friend like no other and that He already knows what you need even before you say it. He is waiting for you to talk to Him and put your request in prayers, for He is more than willing to grant the desires of your heart.

#5: It is okay to "exercise" once in a while.

This may sound a bit too odd, but it does make sense if you think about it. Someone once said, "You will know you've overcome it when tested by it". In short, it wouldn't hurt to try out things that would scare you to death at one point in life just to experience the beauty of becoming victorious. Remember, you are not doing this to brag but to be thankful. Thankful that by God's grace and help you have been able to say Bye Bye to stuff that held you back. So, when an opportune time comes for 'exercising', do not hesitate but pray for courage to do what is right at any given time. 1 Peter 5:10 "After you have suffered for a while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Finally, I leave you with this:

Look at becoming authentic as an exercise: we all are beginners, and it may be difficult in the beginning but with patience and discipline, we will grow towards perfection.

Remember to comment down below which step stood out for you, and also remember to share with a friend or two who may find this post beneficial. God bless you as you do so!