Reconnecting to Your True Self: Ways to Return to Authenticity, Love, Self-Expression, Joy and Freedom
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with external influences, it’s easy to lose touch with the most important person in our lives: ourselves. Over time, culture, society, the education system, family, relationships, and even our own thoughts can cloud our natural state of being. But the good news is that we all have the ability to return to our true essence — a place where authenticity, love, inspiration, vitality, self-expression, joy, and freedom naturally reside.
Below are some practical and transformative ways to reconnect with your true Self and embrace the life of freedom and authenticity that you deserve.
1. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation for reconnecting with your authentic Self. It involves taking a step back from your daily routine and tuning into your feelings, thoughts, and body. Journaling can be a powerful tool here — write down your thoughts and feelings daily to uncover hidden patterns, beliefs and desires that may have been buried under layers of stress and expectations.
Start asking yourself questions like:
- What am I feeling right now?
- What are the sensations beneath &/or associated with that feeling?
- When do I feel at my most alive and peaceful?
- What makes me smile?
- What drains my energy? How do I know? Because I feel and sense….(what)?
By bringing awareness to your inner world, you can identify areas where you’re not living in alignment with your true Self. This clarity allows you to make empowered choices that promote authenticity.
2. Let Go of External Expectations
The pressure to conform to societal standards, family traditions, or peer expectations can weigh heavily on us. For many, we are conditioned from leaving the womb to live externally-oriented, outsourcing ourselves to others actual or perceived needs, wants, and desires in order to receive the love, acceptance and validation each of us desires. It’s crucial to remember that your worth is not defined by these outside forces. To reconnect with your natural Self, you must release the grip of these external expectations and become internally-oriented (insourcing vs outsourcing.) This doesn’t mean abandoning relationships or traditions, but it does mean embracing your individuality and saying no to anything that doesn’t align with your truth.
Start by setting healthy boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to commitments that don’t resonate with your values or needs. Prioritise activities that make you feel authentic and grounded. The more you let go of what others expect of you, the more space you’ll create for your own desires and passions.
3. Reconnect with Nature
Nature has a remarkable ability to bring us back to our most authentic selves. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves, the sound of ocean waves, or the scent of freshly cut grass or of flowers blooming, nature reminds us of life’s simple, profound beauty. Spending time outdoors — even for just a few minutes each day — can clear the mind, recharge your energy, and reconnect you to the vitality of life.
Walk barefoot on the earth, sit under a tree, or simply gaze at the stars. Nature offers a mirror of your true essence, untouched by external distractions. Allow its peace and expansiveness to inspire you to reconnect with your inner landscape.
4. Engage in Creative Self-Expression
Creative self-expression is a direct channel to your authentic Self. Whether you enjoy painting, writing, dancing, singing, or any other form of creativity, these activities allow you to release your inner world and share it with the outside world. When you engage in creative expression, you bypass the constraints of logic and enter a space of pure emotion and intuition.
Even if you’re not an artist, find ways to incorporate creative expression into your daily life. Cook a new recipe, rearrange your living space, or (learn to) play an instrument. The goal is to allow yourself to be messy, spontaneous, and free in expressing yourself, no matter the medium. This will bring you closer to your true nature, aligning with a deep sense of joy and self-fulfilment.
5. Nurture Your Body with Love
Vitality is the energy that flows through us when we treat our bodies with love and respect. It’s easy to forget how interconnected our mind, body, and spirit are, especially when we’re busy or stressed. But returning to a place of vitality requires us to prioritise our physical well-being.
Nourish your body with wholesome food, move it regularly, and give it rest when needed. Take time for self-care rituals — whether that’s through yoga, a warm bath, a walk in the park, or simply sleeping in. When we honour our bodies, we honour our most authentic selves, and we create the energy we need to pursue the things we love.
6. Embrace Love and Connection
Authenticity and love go hand in hand. To return to your natural state, surround yourself with people who truly support and inspire you — those who uplift your spirit and accept you for who you are. This may mean letting go of toxic relationships or distancing yourself from individuals who drain your energy.
Nurture relationships that are based on mutual respect, trust, and admiration. Be vulnerable and open with others. Show love and kindness without fear of judgment. When you are surrounded by love, your heart naturally expands, and you begin to see life through a more compassionate lens, reconnecting with the joy that comes from authentic connection.
7. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness
Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in our lives. By practicing gratitude regularly, we realign with the present moment, where authenticity and joy reside. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, no matter how big or small.
Incorporating mindfulness into your life helps you slow down and appreciate the now. Whether you practice mindful breathing, meditation, or simply being present in everyday activities, mindfulness helps you reconnect with the beauty of life as it is — not as it should be. This practice can restore your sense of vitality and inspire a deeper appreciation for every moment.
8. Follow Your Intuition
Our intuition is a powerful guide, one that connects us to our deepest truths and desires. To live authentically, you must learn to listen to, trust, and follow your inner voice, even when it contradicts logic or outside advice.
When making decisions, listen to the whispers of your intuition. It’s often the small, quiet nudges that steer us toward what feels right. The more you follow your inner guidance, the more you strengthen your connection to your true Self.
9. Allow Joy to Be Your Compass
Finally, remember that joy is a natural by-product of living authentically. When you engage in activities, people, and experiences that align with your soul, joy will effortlessly flow through you. Let joy be your compass in life. Don’t overthink it — if something brings you genuine happiness, pursue it. Don’t let fear, doubt, or the need for perfection hold you back.
The more you embrace joy as a guide, the more it will lead you to a life filled with inspiration, vitality, and self-expression.
Final Thoughts
Returning to your natural state of authenticity, love, inspiration, vitality, self-expression, and joy is not about striving for perfection but about reconnecting with the essence that has always been inside you. By being present, cultivating self-awareness, nurturing your body, and embracing love and creativity, you will naturally align with your most authentic Self.
Remember: you don’t have to change who you are — you simply need to remember who you are.