Authentic? Me?

Are you authentic??

That simple question used to be an affront to my senses. ?I didn’t want to be someone who would blurt out every random thought while angrily attacking anyone who disagrees.?

Can we be truthful about our observations and opinions without making others wrong??I had no answer. ??Like you, I was shaped by the standards of others, before having opinions of my own.?

It began with my parents and teachers who started me on the path to predictability. I learned that getting A’s was admirable and talking back, or at the wrong time could mean punishment. ?When I was a young adult, my employers expanded these expectations.?Compliance regulations, licenses, and certifications put the cherry on my Vanilla Shake of acceptable behavior.??

I learned to excel at being polite. Little by little I was more polite while becoming a liar at heart.?I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.?Can you relate?

Unfortunately, I was hurting my own feelings and self-respect far more.?I never rocked the boat but found myself drowning in dishonesty.?

One day it changed.?I discovered how to be both honest and kind by blending courage and humility.?

My life is a work in progress. How about you?