Authentic People

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” –Romans 12:2

We all know authentic people, we are attracted to them. They exude kindness and compassion, they don’t judge, they are trustworthy, passionate, helpful and genuine.

Yet, in a world where we celebrate narcissistic, self-centered, egotistical behavior, why aren’t more people seeking their authentic self? The television schedule is full of programs celebrating the Kardashian’s, Real Housewives, and self-centered musical artists who by default become today’s role models for our youth. We are more concerned with the value of our possessions than the value of our souls.

Authenticity is a word that gets used often in articles, on social media and in conversations. But what is it? And, what defines an authentic person? What makes authentic people different?

Here are ten things that authentic people do differently:

1. Authentic people express their opinions and feelings. They never fake their response to “fit in” with the crowd. They don’t take it personally if people disagree, but speak the truth unapologetically. This is particularly true when discussing their faith.
2. They are driven internally not externally. Real authentic people listen to their inner-voice; they follow their heart, seek their purpose in life and choose their own career. They never allow external others to influence their decisions. Prayer and meditation guide their path.

3. They have good self-esteem and appreciate themselves and their accomplishments. But they keep their self-esteem at a healthy level never becoming self-centered and narcissistic. They realize that all they have are gifts from God to use in a positive way. They have unique traits and rituals like daily prayer, mass attendance, meditation, praying a rosary, all requiring some self-discipline.
4. They choose experiences over things. Authentic people love to experience life and share those experiences with family and friends. They love sharing those “Kodak moments” with those they love over a bigger house, newer car or the latest iPhone.
5. They are non-judgmental and always kind. Authentic people understand that we are all different and come from different traditions and cultures. They celebrate these differences without ever compromising their own deep held beliefs. And, when someone attacks their beliefs they never take things personally and react with anger or aggression.
6. Authentic people make the most of bad situations. They trust God completely and are free of fear. Understanding that suffering is part of life, they seek to learn from every bad situation, without fear of failure and always trusting in the Lord plan for their lives.
7. They support others and always wish them success. Authentic people love and rejoice in the success of others. They are never jealous when a friend gets a promotion, wins a game, or receives and honor. They wish no one harm.
8. Authentic people avoid negative people. They find themselves being attracted to upbeat positive people. When an authentic person is in a crowd of gossipers, they kindly and quickly remove themselves from the situations. Negative people drain energy from a room, and an authentic person intuitively recognizes this quickly and simply leaves.
9. They seek the soul and not the person. Authentic people don’t care how you dress, what kind of car you drive, or the size of your bank account. They realize that some of the greatest wisdom they have ever received comes from ordinary people with extraordinary stories and beautiful souls.

10. Authentic people hunger for the truth. They are seekers, always looking for the truth, they read the bible and other great books, attend seminars and workshops, and classes. They realize that life lessons are rarely learned in school, but in a life-long pursuit of truth and wisdom.

Imaging if we all worked on improving our lives by adopting and developing these common traits. We can, with God’s help and a strong desire to be the best most authentic version of ourselves that God intended, the me we were meant to be!

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