Authenticity

One of my on-going goals for the last few months has been to be authentic. I want to post an excerpt from Brene Brown's book, The Gifts of Imperfection, that I think is particularly insightful and helpful.

From page 50:
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. 

Choosing authenticity means

• cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boudaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable; 
• exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle; and 
• nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we believe that we are enough

Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and loving--even when it's hard, even when we're wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we're afraid to let ourselves feel it. 

Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives. 

Photo by Eric R. Ward

Choose to move through your day being Authentically You!