Embracing Your Authentic Self: A Guide to Living Your Truth
How would your life change if you were completely confident expressing your true self?
What could you achieve if you were no longer afraid to be who you really are?
How would it feel to live every day aligned with your deepest values?
These aren't just idle daydreams. They're glimpses of the life you deserve—a life of authenticity, purpose, and joy.
But for many of us, the path to this authentic life feels hard to reach, blocked by societal expectations, past traumas, or our self-doubt.
The Truth About Authenticity
Here's what I've learned on my own journey and through guiding countless others:
Authenticity is not about perfection. It's about embracing all parts of yourself - the light and the shadow.
Living authentically doesn't mean tearing down others. It means honoring yourself while creating meaningful connections.
Your authentic self isn't something you need to create - it's already within you, waiting to be uncovered and expressed.
Embracing your true self isn't selfish. In fact, it's one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world.
Authenticity requires courage. It means being vulnerable and facing fears of judgment or rejection.
Living authentically is an ongoing process, not a destination. It requires continuous self-reflection and growth.
Practical Steps Towards Authenticity
Self-Reflection: Take time to explore your values, beliefs, and desires. What truly matters to you? What brings you joy?
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you uncover and express your authentic self. Remember, it's a journey, not a race.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that don't align with your values and yes to what nourishes your soul.
Express Yourself: Find ways to express your true self, whether through art, writing, speaking, or simply in your daily interactions.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This awareness can help you align more closely with your authentic self.
Embrace Vulnerability: Allow yourself to be seen, even when it feels scary. Authenticity often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who celebrate your authentic self and encourage your growth.
If you’re at that stage where you’re ready for support, that's where I come in.
I Believe In a World Where Everyone Can Be Authentic
Yet, there is so much fear and pain in the world. Generations of trauma ripple back over humanity and our planet (and beyond).
Fear distorts our thoughts. It perpetuates trauma. It continues the patterns of Us vs. Them. It creates Hell on Earth.
We can do better.
I envision a world where every single person stands proudly in the truth of who they are.
I believe in a world where all people are able to thrive without fear and shame.
They express themselves and their emotions through so many colorful and beautiful means—whether tending gardens, baking, art, building, dancing, or just by dressing in clothing that makes them feel euphoric.
They have a healthy relationship with their body—access to accommodations, medications, nutrition, and movement practices that support their fullest vitality.
They worship God in the church of their choice, commune with the Earth, and/or have a relationship with their Higher Self—whatever makes their spirit soar.
These people have a healthy relationship with their thoughts because they’ve been raised on affirming words, the support of their dreams, and never doubted how amazing they are.
This is the world I am dreaming into existence one moment of compassion at a time.
I have had to overcome and reclaim my voice to stand where I am today. For a long time, I silenced myself and stifled my authentic expression due to beliefs carried from generational trauma, witch wounds, and religious trauma.
As a survivor of childhood abuse and domestic violence, a person with chronic illness, and a queer person who left the traditional Christian church because of its black-and-white judgment, I’ve faced many uphill battles.
These experiences have deepened my compassion and fueled my commitment to helping others embrace their authentic selves. My own experiences played a part in why I originally was drawn to being a teacher, then therapist. But both of those careers continued to demand I suppress myself down to a single role and function in society.
I wanted more. I was tired of hurting.
I now live my life out loud after decades of silence. I am proudly and openly polyamorous and queer, things I knew to be inherent about me before I was even 10 years old—I didn’t know the words then. The only reason I shoved those parts of me away were because I was told I would go to Hell if I embraced my truth.
The opposite has been true. I have lived through Hell on Earth while trying to swallow myself alive. I’ve been shamed by authority figures for being myself. I’ve experienced the lows of near-fatal illnesses as my body battled against trauma. I nearly unalived myself three times, and have survived physical and sexual assault.
I’ve played every good girl card in the book while trying to stay small and “safe.” Ultimately, I just perpetuating the old trauma patterns of my childhood and ancestors’ lives.
That was Hell. Hating every day of life and wishing you would disappear is Hell. Silence, fear, and shame are Hell.
Now that I have broken free from these cycles, released them for my family seven generations forward and back, and stepped into my soul-aligned power, that feeling of being in Hell has faded.
I’m co-creating Heaven on Earth, now, with other brave souls joined with me in the mission of Uplifting the Others.
My experiences have given me a unique perspective on relationships, identity, and self-expression. This, combined with my professional background and advanced training, allows me to create truly inclusive spaces where all forms of authentic expression are celebrated and safely held.
I believe above all else that everyone deserves to live a life of authenticity, integrity, and self-alignment.
My approach to life is always evolving, as I continue to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I believe in the power of lifelong learning and bring this curiosity and openness to all I do.
Finding My Professional Authenticity as The Queer-Spirit Guide
On my quest to figure out who I really am as a professional, I’ve pursued countless hours of advanced education and earned two degrees. Breaking completely free from the traditional systems allowed me to step fully into all I am and represent today finally.
Still, I am thankful for all of these experiences! My diverse professional background brings a unique blend of skills and perspectives to my work as a guide and mentor, each adding a layer to who I am now.
Licensed Trauma Therapist: My experience as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) has equipped me with deep insights into human psychology and evidence-based healing techniques. This background allows me to offer trauma-informed care and effective strategies for personal growth.
Educator: With nearly a decade of experience as a public school teacher, I've honed my skills in communication, patience, and adapting to diverse learning styles. I’ve also provided professional development and educational workshops to adults on topics like education, LGBTQIA+ and polyamory, mindfulness, Natural Numbers, and more. These experiences enhance my ability to explain complex concepts clearly and tailor my approach to each individual as I respond to their needs.
Union Representative: My time as a union rep for fellow teachers taught me invaluable lessons about advocacy, negotiation, and standing up for others' rights. This time informed my commitment to empowering clients to advocate for themselves and create positive change in their lives and communities.
Ritual Host and Spiritual Guide: As a long-time ritual facilitator and moon ceremony host, I bring a spiritual dimension to my work that complements my scientific and psychological training. I began my training as a Druid when I was 19 and have since studied most of the major world religions. This allows me to offer a truly holistic approach to personal growth and self-discovery.
International Best-Selling Author: My work as an author has allowed me to reach and impact a wider audience, sharing insights and strategies for personal transformation through the written word. I love working with fellow authors or those aspiring to publish their books!
This blend of experiences allows me to offer a holistic, personalized approach to your journey of self-discovery and growth, no matter what area of life you’re looking to shift.
I bring together evidence-based psychological techniques, spiritual practices, and practical life skills to help you:
Identify and release limiting beliefs and past traumas
Reconnect with your inner wisdom and intuition
Develop the courage to express your authentic self
Create boundaries that honor your needs and values
Cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships
Align your daily life with your true purpose
I also bring a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to all my work. As a survivor myself, I understand the courage it takes to face our shadows and embrace our light. I create safe, inclusive spaces where everyone - regardless of their background, identity, or relationship style - can explore and express their authentic selves without judgment.
Will You Join Me?
If you're ready to leap into self-discovery and authenticity, I invite you to take the next step. Here are some ways we can work together:
Free Ongoing Moon Ceremonies & Podcasts: Join our supportive complimentary ceremonies—on my Facebook page or YouTube—where together, we create a space for powerful presence and transformation. If you subscribe to the Living LUNA YouTube, you can opt to be notified about new podcast releases and my latest lives.
Books and Resources: Explore my free resources, blogs, and books for insights and practices you can apply in your daily life.
One-on-One Sessions: I love working to dive deep with people who have already done some of their own healing in therapy or trauma work who are in a period of post-traumatic growth and are in the “what the heck’s next” stage.
I offer ReAwakening Rituals, a la carte coaching, consulting, or guidance sessions, and if you want to go all the way in, my juiciest offer— SOUL SUGAR—which offers ten 1-on-1 sessions, ongoing back-and-forth “pocket guidance,” and personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs, goals, and Soul Patterning/blueprint.
Online Courses: Learn at your own pace with structured guidance and support via my RISE from the SOIL self-care course, or my Butterfly Immersion that takes you through the rebirth process around any current “shadow topic” in your life (think releasing overworking, playing it small, perfectionism, etc).
Imagine waking up each day feeling truly aligned with your purpose, confident in who you are, and excited about the impact you're making in the world. This isn't just a dream—it's a possibility waiting to be realized.
Are you ready to step into your fullness and embrace your authentic self? Let's connect and explore how we can illuminate your path forward.
If you feel called to learn more about how we can work together, schedule a 15-minute discovery call or reach out at Guide@Safrianna.com!
It's time to let your light shine.
All My Love,
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
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