To Thine Own Self Be True

Note: One of my college classes this semester required us to write a ‘blog post’. This was my submission. Maybe I’ll start writing here regularly again…

Authenticity: adjective

• true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character

When I was asking people what words they’d use to describe me, I heard quite a variety. But one came up almost every time: authentic. It’s a quality that’s almost always used in a positive uplifting way, but it made me think – what does it really mean to be ‘authentic’?

We’re often told that it’s about ‘just being yourself’ – or not trying to be someone else – but aren’t we always ‘being ourselves’? I mean, even if we’re trying to be someone else, it’s still our interpretation of what that looks like, right?

See, I feel what people often mean when they talk about being ‘authentic’ is closer to what I could describe as ‘unique’. It often feels like it’s used to describe people who stand out or ‘go against the grain’ – people who show a unique characteristic or personality.

I feel I get called ‘authentic’ because I have no problem showing the fun or ‘quirky’ aspects of myself – being a big goof, wearing colourful clothing, or being open and honest about my struggles in life. But my true authenticity comes from the inner embrace of who I am and what I love – no matter what that looks like – making me unafraid to show that outwardly.

And that can take many forms. One can easily be ‘authentically’ mainstream. You can be ‘real’ and wear clothes from Old Navy or American Eagle. You can ‘genuinely’ love a life of solitude. True authenticity isn’t being weird or quirky or ‘unique’; it’s being unashamed of who you are and what you love – no matter what it looks like!

Being ‘authentic’ can look flashy like Lady Gaga, or heart-on-your-sleeve like Taylor Swift, or your ‘boring’ next door neighbour who always wears jeans and a ratty t-shirt and regularly orders delivery from McDonalds.

So, don’t think that you aren’t ‘real’ if your playlist is filled with Top 40 hits or your favourite dessert is vanilla ice cream. If that’s who you are and what you love – ain’t nothing wrong with that!