Unveiling Authenticity: The Power of Being Your True Self
Discover how embracing authenticity can transform your life and relationships, beyond mere words to a journey of genuine self-expression and alignment.
In 2023, Merriam-Webster named "authenticity" as the word of the year, reflecting a collective yearning for genuineness in an increasingly superficial world. This choice isn't just about a trend; it's a profound recognition of a principle that resonates deeply in our personal and professional lives.
The Word Origin of Authenticity
The journey of the word "authenticity" is as fascinating as its meaning. Deriving from the Greek "authentikos," which means "original," and "authentein," to have full power, the term originally connoted something genuine and self-authored. Over time, it has evolved to represent the quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character.
The Misconception: Authenticity Isn't Brutal Honesty
There's a common misunderstanding that being authentic means voicing every thought unfiltered, often under the guise of honesty. This interpretation, however, misses the mark. Authenticity is not about indiscriminate openness that disregards the feelings of others. It's not a license for unkindness or insensitivity.
The Essence of Authenticity: Living Your Values
True authenticity is about aligning your actions with your core values and beliefs. It's about not hiding the essential parts of who you are. It involves congruence - a harmony between your internal values and external actions. Authenticity means having the courage to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures, and being comfortable in your own skin.
For some, this alignment comes naturally. They effortlessly exude their authentic selves. However, for others, it's a challenging journey, especially when society's expectations seem at odds with their true nature. The struggle often stems from a deeply ingrained belief that they aren't enough just as they are.
My Personal Journey to Authenticity
Speaking from personal experience, I didn't fully grasp the power of authenticity until my 30s. This realization wasn't just a moment of self-awareness; it was a turning point that allowed others to truly understand and connect with me. Authenticity isn't just about being true to oneself; it's about letting others see the real you.
Bet on being your authentic self. It's the safest bet you can make – for in authenticity, we find not just self-realization, but the key to genuine connections and fulfillment.
Pascal's Wager: Betting on Your Authentic Self
Blaise Pascal, the famous mathematician and philosopher, is known for his "Pascal's Wager," which, in a modern context, can apply to authenticity. The wager goes like this: If you bet on being your authentic self and it turns out to be the right choice, you gain everything – respect, genuine relationships, and self-fulfillment. If you're wrong, you lose nothing because living unauthentically is a loss in itself.
On the other hand, if you bet against being your authentic self and you're wrong, you lose everything – the chance to live a life true to your values and the opportunity to form real connections. If you're right, the gain is minimal because a life without authenticity is superficial at best.
Realizing this is what finally woke me up and embrace my full self. Maybe it will help you too.
Final thoughts
The word of the year, "authenticity," is more than a linguistic trend. It's a call to action, a reminder to embrace our true selves. It's about living in accordance with our values, not hiding who we are, and finding congruence in our lives. For some, this comes naturally, but for others, it's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Remember, it's never too late to embrace your authentic self. The journey towards authenticity is not just about self-realization; it's about letting the world see and understand the real you. As Pascal's wager suggests, betting on your authentic self is the safest bet you can make.