We’ve all been in a sticky situation where we had to face up to something we’ve experienced, said, or done. It could be a fact that we are not acknowledging or even a circumstance we are experiencing. It could be as simple as telling your mother-in-law that you love her cooking when you don’t, or as serious as cheating on a spouse you’ve grown to resent. Whatever it may be, living in your truth isn’t always easy. Depending on what else might be going on in our lives at that particular time, the truth can be downright debilitating.

Here are some things you can do that will make the entire process of walking in your truth a little bit easier.

1. What is your truth?

Before we can march forward in our truth, we need to figure out what that is. It starts by looking deep within. Find the face that lays underneath the mask. What does it look like? What does it feel like? One thing the last few years have taught us is that breathing with a mask on is hard to do…Why would you want to live your entire life like this? The sooner you define what it means to be you, the closer you come to living as your most authentic self.

Try this, close your eyes and ask yourself what it means to be you. Take this time to step outside of yourself and allow your thoughts to be in control. Focus on what sticks out and go from there. Writing down who you are is another great way to get to the truth of the matter.

2. Your Truth is Your Power

As cliché as it might sound, what is done in the dark will always come to light. We’ve all heard this saying because it’s true. Being yourself doesn’t have to be a negative thing, but hiding who you are or how you feel can be a negative experience. Secrets never remain secrets forever, they will always come out.

With that said, why not take control over your truth? Doing so allows you to control how it is delivered. It will always be better for your truth to purposely come out of your mouth, than it would be slipping from someone else’s loose lips.

3. Who Cares About What People Have to Say

Ask yourself... What is the worst thing people around you can say? What is the worst thing that can happen? Imagine all of the hurtful and judgemental things that people might say about you (gently!). Put yourself in a scenario where the worst has happened.

Now do yourself a favour, let it go.

We cannot live according to how other people view us. Will their judgments and opinions hurt? Maybe, but do those opinions define us? Absolutely the fuck not. You will find strength in your choice to stand proud in your truth regardless of what they have to say.

Life is short, and with all of the death we have heard about or had to deal with in recent years, the 2020s have made it very clear just how precious life is.

The last thing you want to do is waste your precious life living a lie….especially when that lie is only meant to please others.

4. Focus on Your Freedom

Nothing feels better than waking up each day knowing that you do not have to hide who you are or make excuses for anything you have done or are experiencing. When we hide the truth, we aren’t hiding it at all. We are postponing the pain that the truth brings; for ourselves, and for those that may be affected by the truth. This creates an ongoing mental prison and guess who is both warden and prisoner…you. So, cut yourself a break and let yourself be free. I promise, not only will you be healthier and happier, you will have strengthened your character and your character is currency.

5. Check in With Yourself...And do it Often

Great, so now that you are walking in your truth the most important thing to ensure that you don’t fall back into old habits, is to stop and analyze your thought process.

How are you feeling? What’s working? What’s not? Making sure that you are being true to yourself, without overwhelming yourself is key to sticking to the path that you have chosen. It’s better to go slowly and stay true than it is to try to change everything without staying on your chosen path.