Authenticity is a very important quality to me, and something I strive for in how I express myself daily and in Buffalo Healthy Living. Most of us don’t like people who come across as phony or false, and in our friendships, typically seek out people we believe to be authentic.
While part of being authentic means standing up for what we believe in, it also means expressing ourselves and conducting our lives in a way that is consistent with those beliefs. While that may not always seem easy, it is probably easier than trying to find a way to express ourselves that doesn’t come as naturally.
According to Dr. Stephen Joseph, in writing for Psychology Today, authentic people possess a number of common characteristics, including having realistic perceptions of reality; being thoughtful and accepting of themselves and others; and having a non-hostile sense of humor. Authentic people also usually express their emotions freely and clearly and are open to learning from their mistakes. Probably most importantly, they understand their motivations.
I’ll be the first to agree that becoming self-aware is truly a journey, and not always obvious – especially due to our diverse backgrounds and experiences.
However, I believe it is important to express our thoughts in a way that is true to ourselves and others, while being kind and compassionate. And even if we don’t hit the mark every time, I believe that it is definitely worth trying. After all, don’t we all want authentic relationships with others and to be accepted for who we really are?
Learn more by reading Dr. Joseph’s book, Authentic: How to Be Yourself and Why it Matters, and have a great August!
