Authenticity is being genuine. I believe it is essentially impossible to be authentic if you do not have knowledge of who you really are.
We are shaped by our environment and influenced by those who impact our lives or leave an impression. These individuals are not placed in our lives for us to emulate but to help shape us. Of course, there will come a time in which the words that come out of your mouth sound exactly like your parents. What is emanating are the values and the belief system in which they have reared you. This is in essence one of the purposes of family and good parenting. These values are to enable you to stand in the world. Authenticity is standing in complete self-awareness.
Self-awareness does not happen overnight. Just as we grow physically we evolve psychologically. There are many factors that are involved in shaping who you are—such as self-fulfilling prophecy. The idea that individuals live up to the belief others who are important to them have in them or they can miss the mark entirely. For example, my mother always said I was ‘smart’ and ‘spiritual’. These labels became my identity. I developed my self-esteem on the foundation of these words. Using every gift and talent I possess has increased my self-esteem. This has helped me to cope when others have viewed me differently.
Seeing ourselves as others see us in regards to shaping our identity can have a positive or negative affect. This is known as the looking glass self. I am receptive when the attributes others see in me primarily are what I see within myself. Whenever I am navigating unfamiliar territory or need to figure something out, I look within and depend on who I am and the belief system rooted within. These values help me to cope with the world and stand on my own acutely aware of my true authentic self. Every decision I make is a reflection of my belief system. Therefore, every aspect of my life should align with my values. To me this is living authentically.