Being true to our authentic selves is no easy task. However, we can use simple strategies to overcome the fears and barriers that hinder our ability to find our own voices and align our actions with those voices. Stephanie Gaffin, Co-Founder & Managing Partner with SLS Capital Advisors and The Gaffin Group joins us on the show today to discuss the power of meditation and journaling with regard to reaching a state of authenticity in the way we live our lives, the problem with social media and why it degrades authenticity, and the fact that our thoughts cannot always be trusted and we should not let them define us. Stephanie is no stranger to challenging situations, and she shares with us a story of how she turned one of her darkest moments into something much lighter and found herself in the process. In every single situation we find ourselves in, we have a choice as to how we respond. By becoming more mindful and more in touch with who we really are, we are far more likely to make better choices, leading to better outcomes. It's always daunting starting something new, but once you start, the hardest part is already over, and the benefits you experience from journaling and meditation will have you wishing you started sooner.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Stephanie shares her definition of authenticity: Being true to who you really are.  
• The importance of human connection and why authenticity and vulnerability create better relationships. 
• Aligning your thoughts and actions is key to authenticity. 
• Stephanie shares a story about how a funny sticker helped her feel like herself again, in the midst of a challenging experience.
• Social media degrades authenticity because the audience only sees the "highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes takes."
• Fear of judgment on social media prevents people from engaging and connecting in the virtual world.
• It's impossible to do things perfectly, and nobody expects that of us, so we shouldn't put so much pressure on ourselves. 
• Learning to live in the present moment can help us manage our anxiety about the future. 
• Stephanie's meditation journey and how this practice can help us overcome our fears and find our own authentic voices.
• Our thoughts are not necessarily true, and we should not let them control or define us.
• An experience that Stephanie had while skiing where she saw the benefits of her meditation practice.
• We can only be our true, authentic selves when we remove fear and anxiety from our thoughts and actions.
• Getting into the habit of doing something like journaling or meditating can be daunting, but you just have to start. 
• Stephanie's call to action: Think about a situation that you have coming up and how you can show up to that as your most authentic self, and then do that. 

Stephanie Gaffin on LinkedIn
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SLS Capital Advisors
Right in the Middle Market
Brené Brown
Headspace
Calm
Alex Drost LinkedIn
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Connection Builders LinkedIn

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