Life is certainly interesting with its twists and turns. Just when you think you’re headed one way the road may veer off into another direction. Regardless of the choices you’ve made, one of the most worthwhile lessons in life is to be able to fully embrace who you are at your core—your authentic self.

So what is your authentic self?

Cherish Your Authentic Self

Simply put, your true self is your distinct way of being human. Sounds easy enough but, for some, it can take a lifetime to truly discover and understand what this means.

Sometimes, discovering who you are entails experiencing extremely difficult scenarios that both challenge and test you. This is all part of the shaping process and looks differently for everyone. For some, it may mean meeting with a therapist in order to finally contend to the inner pain that they have been suppressing for so long. For others, it may be making significant changes in their lives in order to break free from bad habits. Ultimately, whatever the case, the important part of this journey is to take time to discover who you are and make a conscious decision to unconditionally love the person you find.

Aim for Progress, Not Perfection

No one in this world is perfect, so remember to relieve yourself of the pressure to fit into a particular mold. You may not experience complete freedom and happiness right away, but you can start by appreciating where you are right now in your journey. If there are areas in your life that you want to improve, be honest with yourself on what needs to be done to bridge the gaps and work on it. Remember, you don’t have make decisions that will please everyone else; do what makes you happy first, then when it comes to others, do the next right thing.

Life is a journey full of many opportunities to learn valuable lessons. As you live yours, remember that the things that make you unique are what make you the person that you are. Embrace them and express yourself openly. After all, you’ve only got one life—one chance—to make your mark and show the world who you are.