What isAuthenticity?

Just like "mindfulness" became trendy and watered down its significance, the trending use of the word "authenticity" is much the same. Authenticity happens when we give our inner voice the attention and validation it needs to grow, and then living life aligned with whatever it tells us. So often we say yes when we want to say no, and vice versa, but what would life be like if we listened to and honored that voice as a way of life?

A former special agent recently said we shouldn't bring our authentic selves to work because of the authentic self doesn't objectively get the job done. Perhaps this is true in professions that do not value their workers and are results-oriented, but authenticity is the secret to living a fulfilled life. Do you think the CEO of any company is content each day and does performs the duties of a CEO for enjoyment? No. She/he likely works long hours and cannot shut the brain off when physically separated from the "office." Not only does tapping into our authenticity allow us to to be a more attuned and creative member of the team, it allow us to advocate for respect and professionalism at a minimum. Perhaps you have been at the wrong job this whole time, working in an environment that does not welcome your voice and creativity. Wouldn't you like to discover that and make a shift?

The most beautiful thing about living a more authentic life is that we take intentional steps toward the life WE want to live. Each and every thought creates leads to the actions necessary to live the life of our dreams! Are your thoughts bringing you closer or driving your further from your authnticity?