Authenticity is knowing who you are and having the audacity to live it. It is a practice to be learned – of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and becoming brave enough to be true to who we actually are. It requires mindfulness, agility, and transparency.

Women who cultivate a life of authenticity are fearless and increasingly emerging from the underground of what was once expected.

They dare to exist on their own terms and wouldn’t think for a second of trading that for the approval of anyone else.

With these qualities, there is nothing more remarkable than a woman who is confidently living her authentic truth.

1. She is unapologetically honest.

The authentic woman isn’t afraid to be honest or express her opinion. She speaks her mind boldly but with intellect. She refuses to silence her voice for someone else’s comfort. This type of woman makes it her business to be heard and understood. She stands firm in her convictions, even if it means standing alone.

2. She takes pride in her uniqueness.

A woman is authentic when she embraces the characteristics that set her apart from the majority. She drives the force of her own unique spirit. She understands that the things that make a woman rare are the things that make her divine.

3. She is undeniably intuitive.

A woman of authenticity is a full force of insight and intuition. She doesn’t apply the advice from others unless she first consults the guide from within. A woman’s instinctive nature is its own kind of built-in bullshit detector. She can read people like a cheap paperback novel and sense the game before it is even played.

4. Her power comes from within.

The authentic woman is driven internally rather than from external triggers. She generates strength from within and then expresses it outwardly in order to give value to the world.

5. She is self-aware.

The authentic woman knows that self-awareness is the key is self-mastery. She is fully conscious of her thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Being as reflective as she is, when she makes a mistake, she learns from it, takes corrective action, and moves on. Not only does she know her truth, but she will help you see your own. She understands that when you know yourself, you are empowered to be your best self.

6. She lives true to her values, intuitions, and priorities.

A woman of authenticity is loyal to her principles and solid in living the journey on her own path. She isn’t easily influenced by others and she refuses to compromise on her values, boundaries, and priorities.

7. She strives for refinement, not perfection.

The authentic woman recognizes that perfection isn’t possible. She works towards self-evolution in all areas of the mind, body, and spirit. She knows that personal growth is essential for positive change.

8. She takes authority over her own life.

A woman of authenticity knows that she decides her place in life and society. She realizes that no one has power over her as she sets the paces and lives according to her own schedule. She takes first in command of her destiny and accepts that the choices she makes are hers and hers alone.

9. Prefers to have genuine connections.

A woman who is authentic chooses to be around those with honest energy. She focuses on establishing long-lasting relationships with people of genuine intention. She isn’t interested in those who might be selfish or opportunistic and only want to use her for their own personal gain.

10. She is present.

The authentic woman has developed the skill of living for the moment. She doesn’t worry about regrets, mistakes, or failures. Refusing to be a victim of time, she doesn’t dwell on the past or stress over the future. Her concentration is on seizing each moment and making it count. She is fully engaged, giving her undivided attention to the people she is with and savoring the time that is now.