Be Authentic

Picture of a sun dog halo taken in Deer Valley, Utah

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” ~Brene Brown

I recently attended a memorial service for a friend, and her son read a leader that she had written, as the principal of a school, to the administration of the district.  In the letter she was standing up for what she believed to be the best thing to do for students.  She spoke from the heart and was her authentic self and fought for something she was passionate about even though it went against a directive given to her. The story has a happy ending as she won the battle.  We must all choose our battles to win the war.
 
The story reminded me how important it is to be authentic.  It isn’t easy to go against the grain and ruffle feathers. However, it isn’t good for us to silence and stuff our feelings and follow like sheep.  I am a person who doesn’t like conflict, and I know that I didn't always stand up to authority and fight for what I knew was best.  But, that is what life is all about, we do the best we can and then learn and grow.  This was a good reminder that  I need to show up and be authentic to make a difference. 

In our hearts, we know what is the best thing to do in any situation if we are making conscious choices.  The key is to show up, be aware, and put forth our authentic self.  Thank you Sue for being an amazing role model for so many, and for reminding us to be more authentic and stand up for the things we are passionate about in life.
 
Do you stand up for what you believe? Are you authentic?
 
What can you do to show up and be real more often in your life?