Authenticity

Authenticity. It's one of my core values. Joined by responsibility, inclusion, community and openness. This notion of authenticity, what does it mean? It doesn't mean I always speak my mind no matter the audience or potential consequences because the old adage, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" is a good rule to follow. Being authentic also doesn't mean that I get to do whatever I want whenever I want because the world doesn't operate that way. But what being authentic DOES mean is that I strive to live in congruence with my values, that I need to surround myself with relationships that challenge me to be my best self, and that I need to stand up for what I believe in. Sure, that can take the form of ranting on Facebook about that well-known "eat more chickn" company (to date I've remained mum on the topic on social media) that I am boycotting not because of their conservative views but because of where my money for those waffle fries could go but for me it's deeper than that.

I have been thinking about authenticity a lot lately. Both as a result of my recent LeaderShape experience and as I critically and thoughtfully reflect on my professional career. Questions of who am I? Where am I going? How do I want to get there? And what matters most? 

Living in congruence with my values and living authentically means I am willing to be vulnerable in relationships, that I open myself up to leaning into the discomfort and that I am 

not afraid to "go there." To ask the difficult questions and to push when resistance gently nudges me to stop. 

It's a complex and messy journey. But it's good work. And I'm thankful to be engaging in it.