Our true self is who we really are when we let go of all of the stories, labels, and judgments that we have placed upon ourselves. It is who we naturally are without the masks and pretentiousness.

Given all the external influences on this state of being, that is other peoples feedback, demands, and complaints, together with environmental factors (cold, hot, dark, etc), it is not always easy to just be ourselves.

Being You

In order to behave according to your true self, you need to understand what that means.  Who are you? or more personally stated, “Who am I?”

To behave consistently according to who you are is not definitive because who you are is in a constant state of flux.   The framework lies in your value system and personality.

Being yourself requires you to manage external influences in ways that completely integrate with the core YOU.  That is your foundational beliefs and go to behaviours.

Flexibility Required

Being true to yourself is not locked in and unchangeable.  The key is being sure everything you do, both inwardly and externally is what you choose.

Always taking ownership of yourself, choosing what you will be, both from self awareness and others perspectives defines the road to self actualization.

Contentment

A state of contentment requires you to achieve realization  (i.e., fulfillment ) of your talents and potentialities.  This is an integral  part of being yourself.  To be content with yourself demands understanding who you are  and accepting it.

Being yourself is a lifelong task.  You should preserve this state and avoid others trying to influence you to step outside of your basic essence.