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Authenticity
This morning, I was reading one of the blogs that really started this “blog journey” for me. It is Brené Brown’s blog, Ordinary Courage. I found Ordinary Courage after reading Brené Brown’s book, I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power. While reading the book and then her blog, I felt as if she were talking directly to me; however, I didn’t even realize at the time that her message applied so much to me. It took time for me to fully understand that being “authentic” doesn’t mean quitting my life or eating only raw foods. It is much more difficult than that! I am just starting to understand what has led me to where I am today and this period of redefining myself. Sometimes I wish I could switch off this internal voice and go back to my perfectionist ways. However, that would go against everything I now believe (or am starting to believe). This past year has taught me that each day we are given a chance to live as fully as we can and that there are no guarantees for tomorrow. How will being authentic impact my role as a graduate student? I would hope that it would make me a stronger student more capable of questioning concepts and creating new knowledge; yet, it is much more difficult to be in an intense program without my shield of perfectionism. It’s not going to be an easy road, but I’m grateful for the chance to go through this experience and realize the potential that exists to learn who I am before it’s too late. Below is a photo of my planner which includes the definition of authenticity on one of its pages (on pretty Basic Grey paper). 
AUTHENTICITY is a daily practice. Living authentically means cultivating the COURAGE to be emotionally honest, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable; exercising the COMPASSION that comes from knowing that we are all made of light and darkness, strength and struggle; and nurturing the CONNECTION and sense of belonging that can only happen when we let go of we are supposed to be and embrace who we are. Authenticity demands WHOLEHEARTED living and loving – even when it’s hard, even when it hurts, and especially when we are wrestling with the shame and fear of “not being enough.” Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives. — Brené Brown, Ph.D.
Related "ripples" you might enjoy:
- 10 Inspirational People Who Have Redefined the Road to Success (Part Two)
- When I Grow Up
- Sharing
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- When You Don’t Have All The Answers
This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 at 12:02 pm and is filed under Authenticity. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
2 Responses to “Authenticity”
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Twitter: benspoont
says:
I am so happy to be able to see on this blogyour journey of redefining yourself and the way you live your life, but more importantly, by seeing it firsthand myself :)
Twitter: carolynr
says:
too sweet Ben :) — I know I had to tone down my obsession with the concept of “authenticity” for the post… but it’s life changing…