Authentically Me. What the Hell Does That Mean?

A little NYC adventure, a little solitude, and permission to show up as yourself.

In my journal, I write: I show up unapologetically, authentically me.

Well, what the hell does that mean?

I'm finding that the answer changes moment to moment, day to day. And writing this from a hotel room in New York City, I'm realizing just how much I need all of it.

Making Room for Myself

Today, being authentically me meant that even though I'm here with a dear friend, I needed to carve out a little space of my own.

Does that sound selfish? Maybe. But I'm a better friend, wife, mother, and daughter when I get that bit of solitude. It lets me show up for myself and for the people I care about.

Authenticity also means letting myself be seen dancing, screaming, smiling, or laughing because I want to. And yes, sometimes those pictures make their way into the marketing machine. 😂 But even then, what I'm sharing is something I believe in wholeheartedly.

My mission, my sankalpa:

I live audaciously. I show up unapologetically, authentically me: joyful, peaceful, playful, and powerful.

All of those parts belong. They just don't all need to lead at once.

Sometimes Authenticity Means Doing Less

This morning, I woke up and didn't feel great physically. Yesterday's 39,250 steps, a hot yoga class, and a whole lot of exploring probably had something to do with it.

My plan was to head to the hotel gym and push some more.

Instead, I showed up for the part of me that needed peace.

I took a slow walk through Times Square in the dark (well, it's never really dark in Times Square) and wandered toward Central Park. On the way back, I stopped for coffee and just sat.

It was exactly what my body needed. Showing up authentically in that moment meant doing less.

The day before, I was authentically powerful through a hot vinyasa flow. Playful, wandering through the zoo. Joyful, spending time with my friend. Peaceful, walking the High Line and taking in the architecture and flowers.

That was all me, too.

No airs to put on. No moment that needed to earn a like or a follower. Just enjoying my own life. And that fills me up in a way that helps me show up for others.

What Does Your Authentic Self Need Today?

Maybe today you want a challenge. Maybe you want to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Maybe you need a quiet walk, a cup of coffee, and a few minutes when nobody needs anything from you.

You get to ask yourself: What feels like me today?

Then give yourself a little room to listen to the answer.

You can love your people and still need solitude. You can love being strong and choose a slower morning. You can be peaceful one moment and a wildly enthusiastic zoo visitor the next.

Trust me. I have photographic evidence.

Only you know what showing up authentically looks like for you today. Give yourself permission to honor it.

Bring That Version of You to Elohee

That's exactly what I'm creating with Anchor to Audacity, April 9 to 11, 2027, at Elohee Retreat Center in the North Georgia mountains: a weekend to move, laugh, explore, and simply be yourself.

It's Pilates and yoga that help you feel strong and capable. It's trying something new, like ziplining or dipping into a waterfall pool, because you can. Because you're curious. Because there might be a part of you that's been waiting for an adventure.

It's laughter around the fire, making s'mores, and answering the very important question: do you burn your marshmallows or patiently roast them? (Guess which one I do!)

It's real conversations with women who are also making room for themselves. A community where you can be enthusiastic, quiet, adventurous, peaceful, or some combination that changes throughout the day.

Maybe you'll reconnect with a part of yourself you've missed. Maybe you'll discover something you didn't know you loved. Or maybe you'll simply enjoy a weekend where you get to answer the question: What do I want today?

Come with your joyful, peaceful, playful, powerful self, whichever part needs a little space that weekend.

Explore Anchor to Audacity

With joy and a little audacity,

Amanda

Live audaciously. Age powerfully.

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