How I'm Embracing My Authentic Self in 2025

2025 is here baby! I don't know why this number is exciting me more than previous years. Maybe it's the correlation between the number five and my birthday (5/15). Maybe because it marks 20 years since I graduated high school— Class of 2005, stand up! Maybe it's because 2+5=7 representing completion (my Bishop brought that to our attention). Whatever it is, it feels like God is all up in it, mixing up something especially for me and for you. And, I don't know about you, but I'mma let Him cook!

January often brings a wave of motivation, leading many of us to set ambitious resolutions. This year, however, I've chosen a unique approach. I'm still fasting and cutting out bad habits (this year it's coffee because caffeine crashes can't be the move). But God started challenging me in the end of 2024 regarding the purity of my heart. Are my intentions pure in everything that I do? Am I authentically being the me He created me to be in every area of my life? If I'm honest, the answer is no.

So, this year is all about changing that no to an automatic yes. I Googled scriptures on authenticity and 1 Samuel 16:7 felt the most fitting for what God was charging me to do.

It's very freeing to declare, “I choose to be me.” This powerful choice reminds us that our true worth lies not in how we look but in who we are at our core.

1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

This verse teaches me that our true essence extends beyond the facade that we try to keep up for those watching. Instead of fixating on superficial resolutions, I aim to focus on my personal growth and developing areas that truly align with who I am. When I say who I am, I'm referring to who God created me to be. Not the lies I've believed about myself for so long. I'm not accepting "that's just who I am." No, I am who He says I am and if that means the me I've known for the past 37 years has to change, then so be it. Whatever it takes to be the authentic version that God designed when He first envisioned me.

Breaking Free from Expectations

Entering this new year, I find myself revisiting the expectations that once bound me. These pressures can come from society, family, or even your own self-doubt. They often pull you away from your true self.

There have been times when I felt the need to conform to societal standards of success, only to end up disheartened. I've manifested cars, jobs and other possessions that left the same void that was there before I prayed for them. True fulfillment has only come when I've pursued what I'm designed to manifest. When I seek God early in the morning and intercede for others late at night, I find a joy and peace in pleasing Him that is non-existent in signing a new contract or buying the shoes I've been eyeing. I know God is still gonna bless me with physical things, He's just a good Father like that. But, the intangible blessings are on overflow and I'm grateful.

Just Being Me hoodie available at Unique Le Designs Boutique

Systems for Sustainable Change

Having a clear vision, with wiggle room for inevitable detours, is vital as I look forward. I'm implementing systems that allow me to spend my time wisely on things that edify and amplify God's message. So, while I'm rigid, I'm also free-flowing. I'm putting emphasis on how I envision showing up in the world and that means being intentional with each second while also allowing God to do what He do.

I understand that growth requires patience. By setting small, manageable goals instead of overwhelming myself with drastic changes, I can celebrate each step taken toward becoming my authentic self.

What do these systems and flexibility look like? I have a day of the week dedicated to each goal. But, I understand that sometimes God may redirect my focus and I can't get frustrated when that happens. Today, I had a few more exercises I wanted to do before an older gentleman from what I call the 6am workout crew came over to chat. Afterwards, I had to head out to get ready for work, cutting my workout short because of the time that convo took. But God claimed that time and who knows that He wasn't protecting me from injury? You never know! Honestly, as a wfh girlie, I needed that human interaction before sitting behind my computer on Zoom calls. I needed to be authentically me for a few moments.

The Power of Perspective

Authenticity involves a perspective shift. How we view ourselves and our situations can greatly shape our outcomes. Practicing gratitude and focusing on positive things allows me to adopt an optimistic mindset that looks at the glass half full rather than half empty.

I’ve noticed that positive influences, such as daily devotionals with friends, morning Bible studies, group prayer calls and speaking to God daily in His language, motivate me to stay on course. Engaging in more community service and joining a fellowship group is next on my agenda. The goal is to hone in on personal development and find environments that offer the encouragement needed to prioritize authenticity and growth.

A New Chapter Awaits

I invite you to consider your intentions for the new year. What changes can you make to embrace your true self? What does being “authentically you” look like? Let’s celebrate the journey — with all its ups and downs — and move forward with hope and positivity.

The new year presents a chance for change, vision, and growth. Inspired by 1 Samuel 16:7, I am committed to embracing my authentic self, resisting external pressures and expectations.

This year, let’s shift our focus from conforming to others’ expectations and instead evolve into the people we truly are; who God created us to be. Here’s to a 2025 filled with courage and a quest for self-discovery! Here's to being unapologetically ourselves!