Thinking about authenticity, it is important to remember why it matters and what is important. As a person you should remain true to values in the face of external pressures and expectations, and still be able to think and behave a certain way. When you come from an authentic place, it is less likely you will allow the external pressures to change who you really are. True happiness comes from a place where you know what you think and feel and even though you are not perfect, you have grace enough to share form a place of compassion and authenticity.
Authenticity is not just about honesty or consistency; it transcends those qualities. When you are authentic, you are not acting, you are in alignment with your true self, your core values, and your unique personality. It can be very hard under pressure to remain authentic, yet it’s vital, especially when you are in roles of leadership, in the workplace, in your home and in your heart.
Authenticity involves being true to yourself and understanding what motivates you, moves you and helps you find your passion. It’s about knowing what you like, how your emotions flow, and your abilities. When you act congruently with this self-knowledge, you’re being authentic.
While authenticity is about sharing truths, it really goes deeper than this. Sometimes, we withhold certain things in, without intending to be holding back, yet sometimes if we cannot reveal everything, it does not always mean we are not authentic, it can mealy mean for underlying reasons, there is something that may hold us back, perhaps judgment, fear, or concern that we may be misunderstood. When we can’t be authentic, it creates issues. Internally and externally.
Striving to be authentic doesn’t mean you’re being your true self all the time; it means aligning your actions to match what you are doing and saying as well as that you will lead with integrity when you are in that role.
In toxic environments, it’s hard to be authentic and when leaders are not living authenticity, it can result in fear and stress. When you help others overcome fears and express vulnerabilities. it helps liberate one from pretense and allows one to embrace imperfections. Not all leaders encompass this trait, and it can become quite dicey when leaders do not strive for authenticity and do not allow those under them to be authentic as well.
Authenticity comes from knowing what’s important to you and remaining true to those values despite being pressured or feeling like you cannot meet the requirements by being put in situations where you are to question your own morals and values. Toxic people create toxic environments, and anyone who does not allow authenticity and harness how valuable it can be in productivity, families and work relations, will never succeed as a leader.
When you navigate from an authentic place, you’re truer to who you are, have strong self-awareness and create a better environment. You will be happier and so will the others around you.
In essence, authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing your genuine self, flaws and all. It can be hard, I understand. Self-love can be hard, and self-sabotage can get the best of all of us, yet it all comes back to authenticity. Authenticity is important and its vital in how we think about ourselves, those around us and how we go forth in the world. Be authentic, your life will be a lot better because of it.
Along the way, I will continue planting positive seeds, sharing through my personal blog and featuring all of my favorite people, places and things! I hope you will follow along! Stay connected at thoughtfulseedproject.com and of course, if you need help writing, reach out! Thought of the Day: Authenticity requires vulnerability, transparency and integrity.
Today is National Ag Day, a day that recognizes the vital contributions of agriculture that add to the quality of life. Today and always, I feel that it is important to share the personal stories of farmers and their dedication to their land and livelihoods. It is very important to take the opportunity to celebrate their hard work, resilience and the innovation of those who contribute to our agricultural heritage. Farm heritage is like a tapestry woven from threads of the past. It encompasses the traditions, practices and stories that connect farmers to their land planting seeds, tending to livestock, and reaping the harvests. It’s a tribute to their resilience and dedication. Their perseverance and never give up attitudes show dedication to working long hours and when it’s time to tend to the crops or animals. There is not always a choice in the matter, when the sun shines or the rain stops, a farmer uses every minute staying awake so they can get the work done.
As long as I can remember, I have been captivated by written words and the value in capturing the feeling or essence of an emotion through writing. To me there is something behind reading or hearing something that is well written. Something as simple as a short poem, to a movie script, good book, or a well-drafted and executed speech, the combination of words and thoughts that are used, can impact the way the reader or listener feels. Thoughtful, well written and documented thoughts having meaning behind them. When something is written well, it can make us feel good, bad, happy, sad, frightened or many different ways. The concept of writing is all around us and while I admit I am not always the first one to be able to execute the exact right words on the spot, in a moment’s notice, if you provide me time to write it out, I will help find a way to put words together that will help create the emotion and feeling that will impact those reading or listening.
While I can’t promise I will post everyday, to be realistic, I can write everyday, and I can make a commitment to share stories that inspire, thoughts that provoke and little tidbits of everything in this world that amazes me and make a conscience effort to continually plant Thoughtful Seeds in all who join this journey and read along as I write! Let’s go…there’s a lot to be shared! 
It really is amazing to think about how the weather can play such a vital role in our daily lives. If we arise to see the sun, the warmth of the rays of sunshine can instantly set our mood and if it’s raining it can make us feel a little dreary and a tad bit gloomy as we set foot out the door to go about our day. The weather can be a lot like people and in some ways, we can choose to find some sunshine around us or be burdened with storms that move in along the way. Like the weather, if we allow them to, other people can play a large role in how we see ourselves and how we react in dealing with others.