Are you living an authentic life? Or the life you think you are "supposed to" li

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   Aley Martinposted 13 years ago

   Are you living an authentic life? Or the life you think you are "supposed to" live?

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   sarascaposted 13 years ago

   Before your question can be answered, I think it would be prudent to define what you think is the life you are "supposed to" live.  Wouldn't that be the life defined by your upbringing and your formative environment, based on the ideals, values, and morals of those who influence your life?
   For many people, the life they think they are supposed to live is one that is comfortable to them, regardless of whether or not they think they are destined for bigger or better things.  And many people are terrified to step out of their comfort zone and take a leap into a great unknown, which prevents them from truly knowing who they are and being who they can be.
   Also, what is an "authentic" life?  A life that is free of social and moral constraints, unfettered by the tedious ties of the status quo?  A life where you do what you want when you want, and damn the consequences?
   As for me, I'm living neither an authentic life or the life I'm supposed to live.  I'm stuck in some sort of existential limbo where the things I want to do are restricted and the things I can do are cut off due to external circumstances, thus leaving me where I have little option other than to just through each day in one piece, good or bad.

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3. 64

   Aley Martinposted 13 years ago

   Sounds like you feel life is meaningless. Are you an absurdist?
   
   The life we feel we are supposed to live is one society dictates or our parents and/or upbringing wishes for us. I realize this is rare these days, but also rare is the idea people actually bust free from others expectations and move into a life they feel is waiting for them.
   
   Your answer is most revealing in that you are obligated to live your life without input, as your circumstances do not allow for a change. But some of that may be your choice to remain aloof, as your profile indicates.
   
   I wish you the best!

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   onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

   My own children have referred to me as..." unconventionial".  I do what I wish to do, go where I wish to go, eat what I like, learn the things that capture my attention. 
   
   Just because I was interested two years ago, does not secure a cause, a place in my tomorrows.
   
   I just enjoy, and embrace.  Yes, I pay a price for this freedom.  I have said far too many goodbyes.....I have lost friendships in the budding........
   
   Still, I go forward.
   
   Many see me as being on the 'outside'..........yet, I break no laws.
   
   As a child, I did my chores, as a parent, I guided, as an adult-free of such responsibilites, I ask no one for their approval.  I simply AM.

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   Harry Santosposted 13 years ago

   Well, in the end the choice is yours. It's all about how you perceive life. Is it half empty or half full? The debate is endless and nonsensical. But at the end of it all, what matters is how you view it.
   
   It is subjective.

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   reeltaulkposted 13 years ago

   Good question, I'm surprised more people haven't answered.

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   AMBASSADOR BUTLERposted 13 years ago

   Yes I am living an authentic life. This is called: you are love you are peace you are free now be love now be peace now be free this is who you are and every single human being on the earth is to the core of their being. This is the standard for human beings living on the earth to live the authentic life and anything else that is less than this does not established the way of life that human beings were created to be and live this way on the earth now and throughout the universe in the future as we advance in technology to be able to travel throughout the universe.

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   Wayne Brownposted 13 years ago

   I feel mine is authentic because it is also spontaneous.  Most of what I have done in my life did not come from a plan but more of a reaction to the moment and the circumstance.  I think that is one of the litmus test of authenticity...reaction and circumstance.  A life totally planned and executed apparently does not run into those issues as much as those of us who are simply wondering through it.  I think direction and goals are a good thing but never let them pull you away from what you might be naturally destined to do.  I planned to be a guitar player but God wanted me to write.  I struggled against that direction for a time but eventually it became my idea as well...things have a way of working out.  WB

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   jrsearamposted 13 years ago

   Heck No! It's a cheap and defective copy and I'm sure somewhere in my life there's a little sticker that says "MADE IN CHINA". I'm not supposed to be here! I should be the resident anthropologist on the Starship Enterprise on my way to Balitus 6 or some other galactic outpost! Who the heck put me in this century? I want to file a complaint! Will someone please tell me where the complaint desk is?!.....

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    Jean Bakulaposted 13 years ago

    What an interesting question! At my age now, I feel I am getting much closer to living an authentic life. When younger, I used to do what I thought I was "supposed" to do, to be a good daughter, sister, student, wife, worker. But in doing so, I got sick often, and felt I was missing out on doing things I really wanted to do. In my 20's & 30's, life's circumstances and a few sudden deaths in my family and social circle made me more responsible. But in responsibility, there is choice and freedom. I gained confidence. I am the Mom of an only child, but with him graduating college now I find I have so much time to take courses, read, travel. I dabbled in politics for a bit, but it was too nasty. I take better care of myself and don't feel guility saying "no" to people when they are asking too much of me, or asking me to be something I'm not. I have lost friends because we went in different directions, but continue to make new ones based on my new and ever changing interests. I look forward to the future and embrace the changes it holds. Sometimes they are hard, but open up new pathways we never expected.

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    pennyofheavenposted 13 years ago

    Authentic yes? Supposed to no?
    
    There is no predefined way of knowing how one is supposed to live. It is in the present that we live. The now.
    
    Being true to oneself in the moment is of far more value than wondering if you are living the life you "think" you are supposed to live.

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    okmom23posted 13 years ago

    I believe perception is the key to the answer. Good question!!

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