"Authenticity represents who we are, not what we do."
Yes, however, eventually what we do is the only representation of who we authentically are.
I'm sure we would be agree that we shouldn't do things as an act, shouldn't behave for an effect. But the initial statement might make us think that who we authentically are is somehow trapped in our mind or soul if people could just see us for who we truly are. Well, the way people see you you truly are is thru actions, right? Can authenticity be any more than your actions?
That's a great point, Mikey. Pay attention to what people do rather than what they say, because words are just that - words. The actions we take define us for others.
This post was just the encouragement I needed today!!
For many years I've had a goal to be my same self whether I'm online, in a work environment, among friends, at home with family, or at my desk writing in my journal. Lately, though, I've struggled with authenticity, because my true self is weary, buffeted, and bruised by life events in the past few years - even before Covid! My authentic self has felt like a real downer!!
This excerpt from Tennyson's poem hit me right over the heart:
".. tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will..."
That which I am, I am - weaker than I used to be, yes; but also heroic in heart and strong in will!
Never heard it as succinctly as “Authenticity is not a skill”. Great reminder to me at least
"Authenticity represents who we are, not what we do."
Yes, however, eventually what we do is the only representation of who we authentically are.
I'm sure we would be agree that we shouldn't do things as an act, shouldn't behave for an effect. But the initial statement might make us think that who we authentically are is somehow trapped in our mind or soul if people could just see us for who we truly are. Well, the way people see you you truly are is thru actions, right? Can authenticity be any more than your actions?
That's a great point, Mikey. Pay attention to what people do rather than what they say, because words are just that - words. The actions we take define us for others.
This post was just the encouragement I needed today!!
For many years I've had a goal to be my same self whether I'm online, in a work environment, among friends, at home with family, or at my desk writing in my journal. Lately, though, I've struggled with authenticity, because my true self is weary, buffeted, and bruised by life events in the past few years - even before Covid! My authentic self has felt like a real downer!!
This excerpt from Tennyson's poem hit me right over the heart:
".. tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will..."
That which I am, I am - weaker than I used to be, yes; but also heroic in heart and strong in will!
Thank you for inspiring that insight!