Brene’ Brown defines authenticity as “the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are”. Woof. There are a lot of things in that one sentence that may brush up against the ole comfort zone.
First, this definition asks us to take a look at how authetically we are living right now. In the last blog, we learned about the difference between fitting in and belonging. Our authenticity is sacrificed when we attempt to change who we are to fit in with others. So, to acheive true connection and belonging, we have to present ourselves as we truly are.
Next, like anything that we want to automate, authenticity takes daily practice. But, this is a practice well worth adding to your To Do list. When we practice being our authentic selves, we avoid having to keep up the charade and wear the mask that hides who we truly are. We feel deep satisfaction as we are living in alignment with our core beliefs. We experience true connection with others and leave emptiness behind.
We are told regularly by all media that we are not good enough as we are and this constant subliminal (and not-so-subliminal) criticism encourages us to try to be someone else. We are trained into the desperation that pushes us toward trying to fit in because of the level of vulnerability it takes to put ourselves out there as we are. The critical messages, impossible expectations, and double standards in our society also happen to be keeping me, as a mental health therapist, in business.
Do you want to feel content and satisfied with who you are? Do you want to experience joy and fulfillment in your life? I know you do. So, then, it’s time to be brave.
Making the daily choice to show up and be seen as your authentic self takes courage. We have to make the choice to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable as we step out without our masks. We must be brave and choose to put ourselves out there even after it didn’t go so great the last time. We have to practice being ourselves so that we can experience contentment and true connection. And we must recognize that our happiness and our sense of self-worth depend on it.
So, go be you. I will be practicing right along with you and if you need someone to talk to about it all, drop me a line.
Chat again soon,
k
Excellent advice, as always!!