I recently enjoyed another article on this topic written by Polly Campbell. Some of what Polly shared you can find below:
“Authenticity,” as defined about 13 years ago by psychologists Brian Goldman and Michael Kernis, is “the unimpeded operation of one’s true or core self in one’s daily enterprise.”
At its root, authenticity requires self-knowledge and self-awareness. Authentic people accept their strengths and weaknesses. They are accountable. They are connected to their values and desires and act deliberately in ways that are consistent with those qualities.
Authenticity is about being genuine and real, says Mike Robbins, a corporate trainer and the author of Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken. It allows us to connect deeply with others because it requires us to be transparent and vulnerable.
“It is important because it liberates us from the pressures of always trying to be something else, always trying to be perfect,” Robbins says.
Authenticity starts when you set the intention to be genuine. Then, there must be an awareness of what that looks and feels like, and a willingness to act in accordance with your genuine nature even when it feels vulnerable.
When you live with this kind of self-awareness, decisions are easier because you are free to choose things that move you closer to your values. You are able to stand in the presence of your imperfections, because you can accept your humanity. You can also embrace your talents and abilities.
Authenticity may also require you to make unpopular decisions or to acknowledge aspects of yourself that you’d rather hide away, but in the end it allows you to live a more open, honest, and engaged life.
This seemingly intangible quality of authenticity, then, has very tangible outcomes. Authentic people feel better, according to research by Kernis, Goldman and others. They are more resilient, less likely to turn to self-destructive habits for solace. They tend to be purposeful in their choices and more likely to follow through on their goals.
As soon as I get bills caught up along with car damage I’ll start doing more calls as well buying ankle boots/pink collar/more girls clothes/dresses. I look better in womens clothes better then I do in guy clothes. Now with cleaning lady leaving this coming week I’ll be able to start wearing/buying more lingerie and washing them without fear of getting caught while they air dry. Dressing as a girl is who I’ve become and plan on doing all the time. It’s so much more fun doing this! I hate wearing guys underwear as its to tight and the fabrics are crap!! As far as family they don’t need to know. Same with co workers. With girls I know I’ll wear women’s slacks/boots and if they notice I’ll be open and honest with them. They said I need balance and I’ll tell them I like women’s fashion if this comes to a head. Also with masseuse after month without massages she came up and gave me big hug. That was unexpected but I’m glad she did that. Her & gf & I went to prom as both looked hot and I danced with both of them and they said I looked hot! They both did slow dance and kissed me while dancing. My masseuse & her gf have planted their nails into me with no intention of letting me go along with tennis girls.
Good for you, Petey! Everything you shared sounds really positive! 🙂
Didn’t we used to have a Mistress Polly among our ranks? If not, I hope one shows up soon, hehe. What a sweet name for a domineering diva. But yes, there is no substitute for being real and being your best self. So few of us get that opportunity or learn too late the value of such a sentiment. In the end, it’s the only thing that REALly matters. *wink*
It’s amazing once you meet and become friends with women how power and control they have. I never thought this would happen to me but it has.
Hmmmmm that’s a good question, Ms. Alexis. If we did I just don’t recall. 😉 I agree…there is no substitute for being real AND trying to be our best self! Thanks for stopping by and adding your two cents! 🙂