Unmasking You: A Journey to Your Most Authentic Self
Who are you, Jackie? My good friend Matt, reminded me of this question everyday for about a year straight. It’s a question we don’t often stop to ask ourselves, buried under layers of expectations, responsibilities, and the identities we’ve pieced together to fit into the world around us. For years, I thought I knew who I was. I wore the masks of the “down for anything kind-of friend,” the “caring friend,” the “people-pleaser”—roles that felt safe but left me drained and disconnected from the person I truly wanted to be.
It wasn’t until everything fell apart that I realized how far I’d strayed from my authentic self. I’d built a life on foundations that didn’t feel like mine, and I knew something had to change. What followed wasn’t an overnight transformation, but a long, winding, and deeply personal journey toward rediscovery. Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. Silence the Noise to Hear Your Inner Voice
The world is loud, and everyone seems to have an opinion about who you should be. For a long time, I let those voices drown out my own. The first step in finding your authentic self is learning to listen—to you. This might mean unplugging for a while, sitting in stillness, or journaling your uncensored thoughts. For me, it was long walks with nothing but my breath and the rustle of leaves for company. It’s amazing what you hear when you finally stop to listen.
2. Ask Yourself the Tough Questions
Who am I when no one is watching? What lights me up? What feels like home in my soul? These questions became my compass, guiding me toward what felt true. The answers weren’t always clear right away, and that’s okay. Self-discovery is less about having all the answers and more about being curious enough to ask.
3. Release Who You’re “Supposed” to Be
Letting go of the person I thought I had to be was one of the hardest parts of this journey. There’s comfort in the familiar, even when it’s not serving you. But as I peeled back those layers, I found freedom. I discovered parts of myself I hadn’t seen in years—the dreamer, the creator, the woman who didn’t need approval to feel worthy.
4. Embrace the Messy, Beautiful Process
Finding your authentic self isn’t a straight path. There were days I felt lost, unsure if I’d ever get there. But I learned to embrace the detours and celebrate the little moments of clarity—a smile that felt genuine, a decision that came from my gut, a day when I felt completely me.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Grow
You’re not a static being. Who you are today might not be who you are tomorrow, and that’s a good thing. Authenticity isn’t about finding a fixed version of yourself—it’s about showing up as who you are in this moment, unapologetically.
The Power of Authenticity
As I’ve walked this road, I’ve discovered that being authentic isn’t just about me—it’s about how I connect with others. When you show up as your true self, you invite others to do the same. There’s a raw, magnetic power in authenticity, a kind of magic that deepens relationships and opens doors to the life you’re meant to live.
If you’re on your own journey to self-discovery, know this: It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to feel lost. And it’s okay to be imperfect along the way. You’re not searching for a “perfect” version of yourself—you’re uncovering the real you, the one who’s been there all along, waiting to be seen.
So, take a breath. Take a step. And trust that every twist, turn, and moment of doubt is leading you closer to the most extraordinary version of yourself—the one you were always meant to be.
Here’s to unmasking the real you. 🌿
