Be Yourself

How to Live Authentically and Embrace a Fulfilling Life

Why letting go of outside approval helps you reclaim your time, energy & joy

As I grow older, the value of time becomes clearer every single day. It’s the one resource we can’t earn back, replenish, or replace. Once it’s gone, it's gone. And when I finally got honest with myself, I realized just how much of that precious time I had spent worrying about what other people thought.

Living authentically isn’t just a mindset shift, it’s a lifestyle change. It’s choosing to use your time intentionally rather than giving it away to expectations, pressures, or approval-seeking. This shift has shaped my Jeep adventures, my personal transformation journey, and the way I approach life now.

Selfie in nature

Escaping the Trap of Seeking Approval

One of the biggest time-wasters in my life was the constant chase for acceptance by friends, coworkers, peers, society, and (thanks to social media) even strangers.

The desire for approval is human.
But living for approval is exhausting.

When you constantly worry about how others see you, you lose connection with your own needs and values. Over time, this creates:

• feelings of unworthiness

• stress you don’t even notice building

• habits of comparison

• self-doubt disguised as “trying to fit in”

Simplifying my life helped me finally see how much time I was losing to this mental loop. And once you see it you can’t unsee it.

Yosemite National Park selfie

Choosing Individuality Over Conformity

Throughout my journey, especially during major life transitions, I often found myself blending in just to feel accepted. But there’s a cost to that kind of blending: you slowly disappear from your own life.

With experience, age, and a whole lot of Je

 unsure who I am anymore?

ep trail therapy, I’ve learned something freeing:

👉 You don’t owe anyone a performance.
👉 You don’t have to fit into any group to be worthy.
👉 You are allowed to choose yourself.

Letting go of conformity opened doors: more joy, more confidence, and more time for the adventures that matter.

Embracing Personal Authenticity

Time is our most valuable currency. Once spent, it’s gone forever. That realization pushed me to stop giving mine away to things that didn’t serve me.

This is my time.
Your time is your time.

And living authentically means:

• refusing to be shaped by other people’s expectations

• choosing what feels right for your life

• acting from integrity, not fear

• giving yourself permission to evolve

As long as you’re living with kindness and intention, you don’t need approval to be yourself.

10 Ways to Live Your Life for YOU

1. Embrace Your Individuality

You are one-of-a-kind. Your experiences, your values, your dreams are yours alone. Stop trying to measure them against someone else’s expectations.

2. Focus on Your Own Goals

Shift your attention from “What will people think?” to “What do I want?” Set goals that excite you and work toward them intentionally.

3. Build Real Self-Confidence

Confidence comes from action trying, learning, failing, growing. The more you strengthen your belief in yourself, the less outside approval matters.

4. Choose Positive People

Your circle should lift you up, not drain you. Surround yourself with those who encourage your growth, not those who clip your wings.

5. Practice Letting Go

Not every opinion deserves space in your mind. Let go of what doesn’t serve your growth or peace.

6. Show Yourself Compassion

Perfection is a myth. Treat yourself with the same patience, kindness, and grace you offer to others.

7. Be Assertive About Your Needs

Your voice matters. Speak up for your boundaries, your dreams, and your well-being.

8. Learn to Laugh at Yourself

Life is lighter when you don’t take everything so seriously. Humor is a powerful tool for resilience and perspective.

9. Take More Risks

Growth happens outside your comfort zone. When you try new things, you discover who you really are without limits.

10. Remember: You Only Live Once

Life is too short to be controlled by opinions. Choose joy. Choose adventure. Choose authenticity. Check out my post about How to Live your life to the fullest 

FAQ: Living Authentically & Taking Back Your Time

1. What does “living authentically” really mean?

Living authentically means making decisions based on your values—not on fear, pressure, or expectations. It’s choosing what feels true to you, even if it doesn’t make sense to others.

2. How do I stop caring about what others think?

Start by reconnecting with your own goals and priorities. When your focus shifts inward, outside opinions lose power. (Related: See my post on Living Your Best Life.)

3. What are signs I’m living for approval instead of myself?

Some common signs include constant overthinking, hesitation to set boundaries, seeking validation, and feeling guilty for choosing what you want.

4. How do I rebuild confidence after years of putting others first?

Small steps. New experiences. Self-kindness. Your confidence grows every time you keep a promise to yourself. (Related: Empty Nest Tips for Getting Through Challenges.)

5. Is it selfish to live life for myself?

Not at all. Taking care of your own well-being allows you to show up more fully for others.

6. Why does approval-seeking waste so much time?

Because it causes delay, hesitation, and second-guessing—habits that drain energy and keep you from meaningful progress.

7. How do I find my passion if I’m

Start exploring small curiosities, new hobbies, and experiences. Passion is rarely found—it’s built over time. (Related: How to Find Your Passion.)