FAKE OR REAL?

Lately, there’s been so much talk about all things fake—fake news, fake designer labels, fake perfect lives on social media.?

But honestly, what strikes me as the most heartbreaking form of “fake” is when we feel like we can’t be authentic—when, for whatever reason, we feel the need to hide who we really are.

In this week's SWAGGER Sense, I want to talk about why we sometimes wear these masks and how we can finally lay them down to step into our true selves.

Why We Fake It

Humans are wired for connection, to belong to a tribe. It’s how we’ve survived for centuries—finding safety, companionship, and purpose in our communities.?

Our brains are programmed to want acceptance, and sometimes, in trying to fit in, we start to hide pieces of ourselves.

It’s why we might:

• Pretend to be happy when we’re struggling.
• Show off achievements, even if we feel like we’re falling behind in life.
• Act like everything is fine when, inside, we’re just getting through the day.

Any of this sound familiar? Don’t feel bad. You’re not alone.

Fitting in—it’s what we do, and have done to survive. But pretending to be something you’re not? That doesn’t feel like living.?

The Freedom of Being Unapologetically You

You might not know this, or even believe it—I’ve spent so much of my life feeling like I didn’t fit in. Not in high school, not in college, and not in the companies I've worked for.?

And for years, that gnawed at me. I’d look around and wonder why I couldn’t just blend in like people around me seemed to.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to cherish: I didn’t fit in because I wasn’t meant to.

The moments I felt happiest, the moments I thrived most, were when I stopped trying to belong and started boldly being myself.?

It’s exhausting wearing a mask every day—it’s like squeezing into an outfit that doesn’t fit, feeling uncomfortable and out of place with every move.

You know that feeling when someone convinces you to try on clothes you know aren’t your style and you can’t wait to take them off??

That’s what it feels like when you’re pretending to be someone you’re not, day after day.

Here’s the thing though—when you stop faking it and allow your true self to shine, that’s when life feels lighter. That’s when it feels like you start truly living.

The Cost of Hiding Your True Self

The problem with constantly pretending is that it chips away at your authentic self. Over time, your real self gets quieter and more hidden, while the facade you’re maintaining gets all the attention.?

It’s no surprise this leaves us feeling frustrated, disconnected, and even fundamentally unhappy.

Worse still, the more you focus on “fitting in,” the more you tie your value to someone else’s approval.?

You begin to believe you’re only worthy if others accept you, not because of who you truly are but because of who you’re pretending to be.

But here’s the truth I want you to hold onto today, tomorrow, always…

You are already worthy. No one else gets to decide that—you were born worthy. You were born enough.

It’s Time To Take Off the Mask

I get it—there’s a time and place for “fake it until you make it.” Sometimes, putting on a brave smile and pushing forward has its merit.?

But here’s the key—this works only when what you’re “faking” is still rooted in your authentic self.

True happiness and fulfillment come when you stop hiding and start living as your genuine self.

This is your invitation to take off the mask, to stop fitting in at the cost of you, and to fully step into your brilliance.?

The world doesn’t need another copy or counterfeit version of you. It needs you, in all your unfiltered, dynamic glory.

Make this the year where you fully break free! I can't wait to see the magic only you can bring!?

Jennifer

Your reflections inspire me and energize this community. Did this strike a chord with you? I’d love to hear your perspective. What’s on your mind? Share your thoughts—I’m here, ready to listen!