Authenticity

Children are notorious for dancing around the house using spatulas as microphones. They don’t know anything about carrying a tune or if their moves are trendy, and they don’t seem to care. They just know it’s fun and they are empowered by what they can do. Often when their songs are done,  they clap, because quite frankly, that’s fun too. Their life is simple. They are surrounded by those who nurture their interests and they reciprocate with unconditional love.

When do we lose that confidence projected from childhood? At what point do we become sensitive about what others think,  and at what point to we begin to judge? It is natural to recognize the differences in others and it would perpetuate ignorance to think otherwise.  As children gain wisdom they understand the world is a gathering of people unlike us.  Heritage, family values, religion and culture all play a part in our unique differences. That isn’t judgement, but we wouldn’t be true to ourselves if we didn’t recognize it.

I guess the real question is, when did we lose our authentic self?  While not alone, it  seems that social media has contributed to a false sense of what is real, and we have allowed the snapshot of other’s lives to dictate  our own.  We are pressured by comparisons to set aside reality for popularity which has threatened personal authenticity.

I wonder if popularity is only for those who need validation.  They are the ones with a multitude of friendless friends and find comfort in conformity.  They look at themselves through the eyes of others and bask in attention.   There is safety in being popular and doing the popular thing, because you will always be surrounded with a bubble.  And while this security brings welcome confidence, Thorin Klosowski  brings authenticity to light.

We are doing ourselves a disservice when we stifle our authentic self. When we do, we also suppress our creativity, ingenuity, and self-awareness.

I applaud the authentic, the genuine, the ones who are not afraid to step outside the box. They seek independence and enjoy quality friendships.  They look at themselves in the mirror and seek acceptance from the mirror that looks back. They lead by example and have an understanding that intellect comes from a letter, but that wisdom comes from life’s experience.

Need help?

Look through the eyes of a child.

Happy Monday.  

The Daily Post: Popular