Showing up 100% means bringing our true selves to every situation and interaction. However, it's important to acknowledge that authenticity is not a static concept. Our moods, experiences, and circumstances can vary from day to day, making the way we show up 100% uniquely different each day. Showing up 100% can manifest in various ways and it is essential to honor our ever-changing authenticity.

➡️ Honoring Emotional Authenticity: Emotions are an inherent part of the human experience, and they fluctuate constantly. Showing up 100% means acknowledging and accepting our emotions without judgment. Some days, it might mean showing up with enthusiasm, radiating positivity, and spreading joy. Other days, it could involve embracing vulnerability and expressing sadness or frustration. Authenticity lies in allowing ourselves to feel and express our emotions genuinely, regardless of societal expectations.

➡️Adapting to Circumstances: Life is unpredictable, and our circumstances can vary greatly from day to day. Showing up 100% requires adaptability and flexibility. It means recognizing that our energy levels, external pressures, and personal responsibilities fluctuate, influencing the way we engage with the world. Sometimes, showing up 100% means offering support and guidance to others when they need it, while other times, it might involve prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries to protect our well-being.

➡️Embracing Personal Growth: Authenticity is not stagnant; it evolves as we grow and learn. Showing up 100% means embracing our journey of personal growth and allowing ourselves to change. Each day presents an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. We may discover new passions, challenge long-held beliefs, or reassess our goals. Showing up authentically involves being open to these changes, even if they lead us down unfamiliar paths.

➡️ Practicing Self-Compassion: Self-compassion is integral to showing up 100% every day. It means acknowledging that we are human and that we have limitations. Some days, we might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or lacking motivation. Showing up 100% does not mean pushing ourselves beyond our limits but rather accepting and nurturing ourselves with kindness and understanding. It means granting ourselves permission to rest, recharge, and seek support when needed.

➡️ Embracing Imperfection: Perfection is an illusion that hinders authenticity. Showing up 100% means embracing our imperfections and embracing the messiness of life. It involves accepting that some days may be more challenging than others, and that's okay. Authenticity is not about flawlessness, but rather about being genuine and true to ourselves in each moment.

Showing up 100% is a powerful practice that allows us to embrace our authenticity and live in alignment with our true selves. It is a dynamic and ever-changing process that honors our emotions, adapts to circumstances, embraces personal growth, practices self-compassion, and embraces imperfection. By acknowledging and accepting that showing up 100% looks different every day, we grant ourselves the freedom to live authentically, without the pressure of conforming to rigid expectations. 

In a world that often glorifies perfection and conformity, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the beauty of being human. As humans, we are inherently messy, clunky, and wonderfully weird creatures. Our imperfections, quirks, and idiosyncrasies are what make us unique and authentic. When we embrace our messy nature, appreciate our flaws, and recognize the profound beauty that lies within our imperfections, we gain the ability to navigate life with more ease and joy.

1. Individuality and Authenticity: Embracing our messiness means embracing our individuality and authenticity. Each one of us is a blend of strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and characteristics that cannot be replicated. Our quirks and imperfections are a testament to our genuine selves, reflecting the rich tapestry of human diversity. By embracing our uniqueness, we can celebrate the beauty of being different and encourage others to do the same.
2. Growth and Learning: Being messy and clunky allows us the space to grow and learn. It is through our mistakes, failures, and messy journeys that we discover our strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. We stumble, we falter, but we also rise and evolve. Embracing our messiness means embracing the inherent potential within us to learn from our experiences and become better versions of ourselves.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Our messiness often fuels creativity and innovation. It is through our willingness to explore the uncharted territories, think outside the box, and take risks that we unleash our creative potential. Our quirks and unconventional ideas can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions. Embracing our weirdness allows us to tap into our imaginative power and make a unique contribution to the world.
4. Connection and Empathy: Being messy and imperfect cultivates empathy and fosters deeper connections with others. When we acknowledge our vulnerabilities and flaws, we become more understanding and accepting of the imperfections in those around us. Our shared struggles and messy experiences create a sense of connection and a safe space for genuine human interactions. Embracing our messiness allows us to build stronger relationships based on authenticity and compassion.
5. Humor and Lightness: Embracing our messiness invites humor and lightness into our lives. We can learn to laugh at ourselves, finding joy in the mishaps, awkward moments, and unexpected turns. Embracing our clunkiness and weirdness allows us to approach life with a playful spirit, not taking ourselves too seriously. It reminds us that life is meant to be experienced and enjoyed, even in its messy and unpredictable nature.
6. Freedom from Expectations: Society often imposes rigid expectations and standards on how we should look, behave, or achieve success. Embracing our messiness liberates us from these unrealistic ideals. It gives us permission to be our authentic selves without constantly striving for perfection. It allows us to redefine success on our own terms and live a life that aligns with our values and desires.

Being messy, clunky, and weirdly human is a beautiful and inherent part of our existence. It is within our imperfections and quirks that we find the true essence of our humanity. Embracing our messiness empowers us to live authentically, celebrate our uniqueness, and connect with others on a deeper level. So, let us embrace our messy, clunky, and wonderfully weird selves and find the true beauty that lies within our imperfect human experience.

Fall in love with your beautiful, messy humanness by scheduling a free first-time coaching session with me!

Establishing and maintaining personal boundaries is vital for our emotional well-being and healthy relationships. Boundaries help define our limits, protect our values, and ensure that our needs are respected. However, it's not always easy to recognize when our boundaries are being crossed. Fortunately, our emotions can serve as valuable signals, providing us with important cues that alert us to potential boundary violations. Below I will outline some common feelings that arise when our boundaries are being crossed and discuss their significance in helping us protect our boundaries and maintain healthier relationships.

Effective communication is one of the most valuable skills that you can learn. Among the essential components of effective communication, active listening stands out as a skill that can transform relationships and interactions. Active listening goes beyond simply hearing the words; it involves being fully present, empathetic, and engaged in the conversation. Fortunately, active listening is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help you teach yourself the valuable skill of active listening.

1. Be Fully Present: Active listening begins with being fully present in the conversation. Eliminate distractions, such as putting away electronic devices or finding a quiet space. Maintain eye contact and open body language to demonstrate your attentiveness. By giving your undivided attention, you create an environment that encourages meaningful dialogue.
2. Cultivate Empathy: Empathy is at the core of active listening. Seek to understand the speaker's perspective and emotions by putting yourself in their shoes. Empathy allows you to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust and openness. Practice active empathy by reflecting on how the speaker might be feeling and validating their emotions. (Also read this article on how to have a conversation with someone who disagrees with you)
3. Avoid Interruptions: Interrupting someone while they are speaking not only disrupts their train of thought but also sends a message that their words are not valued. Make a conscious effort to resist the urge to interrupt and instead, allow the speaker to express themselves fully. Remember, active listening is about creating a safe space for the speaker to share their thoughts and feelings.
4. Practice Reflective Listening: Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said to ensure you understand their message accurately. This technique not only demonstrates your engagement but also allows the speaker to clarify any misunderstandings. Use statements like, "If I understand correctly, you are saying..." or "What I'm hearing is..." to show that you are actively listening and seeking clarification.
5. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Engage in the conversation by asking open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to elaborate and share more information. Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and instead require thoughtful responses. These questions show your genuine interest and promote deeper understanding.
6. Practice Mindful Silence: Silence can be a powerful tool in active listening. Sometimes, allowing a pause after the speaker finishes their thought gives them space to reflect or continue sharing. Avoid rushing to fill the silence and give the speaker the opportunity to gather their thoughts. Comfortable silences can foster deeper conversations.
7. Show Empathetic Non-Verbal Cues: Non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, and facial expressions, play a significant role in active listening. These cues demonstrate your attentiveness and encourage the speaker to continue sharing. Be mindful of your body language and use these non-verbal cues to convey empathy and understanding.
8. Manage Your Internal Bias: We all have internal biases that can affect our ability to listen objectively. Be aware of your preconceived notions, judgments, or assumptions, and strive to put them aside during conversations. Maintain an open mind and approach each interaction with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Active listening is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your communication abilities and deepen your relationships. By practicing the techniques mentioned above, you can become a skilled active listener and create meaningful connections with others. Remember, active listening requires ongoing effort and practice, but the rewards are well worth it.

​Empathy is an essential component of effective communication. However, self-righteousness hampers the ability to empathize with others' experiences and perspectives. When individuals consider themselves morally superior, they may dismiss or belittle the emotions and experiences of those who disagree with them. ​This lack of empathy can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and broken relationships. Successful communication requires genuine efforts to understand and acknowledge the feelings and viewpoints of others, even if they differ from our own.

I’ve lived through extreme poverty, a near fatal head-on collision, an abusive relationship, and executive burn-out (to name a few), and I am still wildly successful and passionately joyful.  How?  I’ve mastered the art of leaning into my authenticity to ensure my resilience.  (You can read my entire personal story here)
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As an ICF Certified Authenticity Coach, I help others learn to not be defined or diminished by life’s challenges but instead use those challenges to deepen their authentic expression and create an extraordinary life specifically tailored to them.

I teach people how to develop a strong sense of SELF and use that powerful foundation to create a meaningful and fulfilling life tailored to their unique personalities and needs.  We must return home to who we truly are in order to build a world that works for all of us.  There is a revolution underway - and it begins inside each of us.  ​

Step into a realm of intellectual exploration and contemplation with "Chasing Thoughts," an enthralling podcast that delves into the depths of the human experience to unearth profound truths and wisdom.

Hosted by an inquisitive and open-minded duo, this thought-provoking podcast embarks on a mesmerizing journey to investigate the multifaceted aspects of life, offering listeners a unique opportunity to engage in deep, curious dialogues. Through insightful conversations, riveting interviews, and captivating storytelling, each episode examines the human experience from various angles, aiming to unlock the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

​ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Keith Dauch is a Strategic Interventionist, Stoner-Spirited Life Coach, and the Owner of BreakPoint Coaching.  BreakPoint operates off the belief that, regardless of our situation, the power to change and overcome already resides in each and every one of us.
https://breakpointcoaching.org/

Mindy Aisling is an Authenticity Empowerment Coach, offering 1:1 coaching, DIY Courses, and Live Online Workshops designed to teach you how to develop a strong sense of SELF and use that powerful foundation to create a meaningful life. 
https://www.mindyaisling.com/

You can learn more about Kristina and the work that she does here:

• www.changewithcoachk.com
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