Blog

What Is Authenticity?

Who is that person behind the mask? And why would someone choose to hide his or her real self? My upcoming novel, Journey of the Lightworker, explores the concept of authenticity—or being true to one’s internal beliefs rather than externally imposed ideas. The more we look outside ourselves to create a sense of identity, the further we get away from our true selves. So, what does it mean to be an authentic person? The simplest definition of authenticity is to be genuine, real, and true to your core inner beliefs.

Have you ever made a decision based on what someone told you would make you happy—and then one day woke up to discover that you weren’t really happy at all? You bought an expensive house and car, got married, had children, but later discovered that you were up to your eyeballs in debt with no time for anything that you truly enjoyed doing. Did you secretly wish your life could be different?

Think back to your childhood. What did you dare to dream? Back then, you could do anything you set your mind to: You were an artist making crazy paintings—even coloring outside the lines; you sang songs at the top of your lungs with words you made up; you told amazing stories that embellished the truth; and maybe you even thought about becoming a doctor or firefighter or nurse because you genuinely wanted to help people.

Today, I ask you to consider what aspect of your life is unhappy and to make a change. When we are inauthentic, we feel sad, unhappy, and even fake. I ask you instead to become that amazingly real, genuine, happy person who has always been inside of you. Decide what resonates closest to your heart and take that first step to make a change towards authenticity. Go ahead and dare to color outside the lines again! The canvas is yours to paint however you choose to paint it.

Have a wonderful week everyone! XO Shari

Leave a Comment