Authenticity is being real and true without pretension or insincerity. Too often people tend to be someone or something they are not in order to impress or influence. However, the person who is authentic is not only true to others but first true to themselves.
Being genuine to one’s unique design can be challenging. This means being honest with yourself, flaws and all, while being confident in your progressive growth. The idea of authenticity can be liberating as well as a disruptive force. For those who are not ready to face their own truths, it can be unsettling. However, for those who are ready to be real, authenticity can bear the rewards of self-respect, freedom, and meaningful connections.
In a world of pretense, it is more common to wear a social mask to be accepted by all than to be true to one’s self. Conformity is encouraged over individuality. All the while what makes us unique, incomparable, and of great value is secretly concealed. Being authentic is an act of rebellion, of not fitting into a mold, and living out loud your personal values as you embrace the challenge of personal transformation.
I remember when I was younger I was genuinely unauthentic. In other words, I was really good at not being real. I lived in fear of what others would think. Would they like me or disapprove of me? That was a hard burden to bear, but one I chose rather than being me. I became great at wearing masks to please a crowd. But at the end of the day, I felt lost and alone, not knowing who I truly was. I felt like I did not fit in anywhere. One day, I took the challenge to discover Angela. I was surprised by my unearthing. What had been buried underneath all the façade was an individual that I truly loved and could live with – ME!
Being ok with ME as I continue to walk through my personal growth processes, I now pursue the life that at one time I could only dream of. Now, I am living it to the fullest. Though I am not perfect, I can honestly say who I am in private is who I am in public and vice versa. When conformity wants to intimidate me, I rely on the strength of my values. Being a work in progress, I have no desire to look back.
I encourage you to find your true self. Accept yourself for who you are. Make your choices and decisions based on your personal values. Support your self-esteem by following your own interests, whether others share them or not. And, invest time into your own growth. You will love the person you uncover. Here’s to breaking out of the mold. Believe it or not, the world has been waiting for the authentic you. Let’s keep growing and going. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela