What the heck is Happy AF?
A little bit of background to help you understand why I'm Happy AF, and why I want you to be too!
Welcome to the world of Happy AF! Being Happy AF is about living your best life, being true to yourself, and thriving in all areas of your life. It's a state of mind and a way of being that allows you to embrace who you are, make the most of every moment, and find joy in the little things. Being Happy AF isn't about being perfect or pretending that everything is always rosy, but it's about finding happiness and fulfillment even when life gets tough. So, join me on this journey to discover what it means to be Happy AF, and how we can all live our best lives by being authentic and flourishing.
A is for Authenticity
Welcome to the section on authenticity, or as I like to call it, being real AF. And let me tell you, it’s not always easy. I mean, have you ever tried being yourself when you’re surrounded by a bunch of people who are all trying to be someone they’re not? It’s like trying to stand out in a sea of basic b*tches.
But here’s the thing, being authentic is about knowing who you are and embracing that person, flaws and all. It’s about being honest with yourself and others, and not being afraid to show your true colors. It’s about being Happy AF, even when things aren’t going your way.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Phil, if I’m being real AF all the time, won’t I just come across as a total jerk?” And the answer is, no! Authenticity isn’t about being rude or insensitive, it’s about being true to yourself while still being respectful of others.
So, let’s break it down even further. Here are some things that authenticity is, and some things that it’s not:
Authenticity IS:
Knowing who you are: This means taking the time to really get to know yourself. What do you like? What do you value? What are your strengths and weaknesses? When you know yourself, it’s easier to be true to yourself.
Embracing who you are: Once you know who you are, embrace that person. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to fit in or impress others. The people who matter will love you for who you are.
Being honest: Authenticity is about being honest with yourself and others. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not just to make others happy. Be honest about your feelings, your opinions, and your experiences.
Making mistakes: Being real AF means accepting that you’re not perfect. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s ok. Learn from them and move on.
Choosing to be your best: Even though you’re not perfect, you can still choose to be your best. This means making the most of your strengths and working on your weaknesses. It also means being kind to yourself and celebrating your successes.
Authenticity is NOT:
Blurting out everything that’s in your head: Just because you’re being honest doesn’t mean you have to say everything that comes to mind. Use your filter and be respectful of others.
Sharing every detail of your life: You don’t have to share every detail of your life to be authentic. You can choose what you share and what you keep private.
Complaining about everything that happens to you: Authenticity is not about being negative all the time. It’s about being honest and positive.
Pretending life and work don’t suck sometimes: Let’s be real, life and work can suck sometimes. But that doesn’t mean you have to pretend everything is perfect. It’s ok to acknowledge the suckiness and then move on.
The next article will offer you some action steps you can take to be more authentic.