I found this quote among my snippets of words and colors recently. It's funny how things land right in front of us exactly when they're supposed to, isn't it?

Authentic.

Where does it land in your world?

Original. Genuine. Real. Bona fide.

I share my truths. Almost to a fault sometimes. Maybe? Do you really need to know that about me?

I don't know... maybe you do. Maybe my 'real' is what makes the difference in whether you want to know me.

Or not.

I can appreciate that. Catch ya' on the flip side.

Some prefer the layers of artificial niceties.

Why is that?

I think because it's easier. And heck, easy is soooo much easier than well, the blowback that comes from being real. Chew on that for a minute and tell me it ain't so.

But I think - mostly - as humans - we are drawn to authentic.
~ Robin Le Roy-Kyle

Even if we don't acknowledge it publicly....

Why?

Because we want to know someone else struggles, too. We want to know that someone else feels uncertain, unclear, confused, and maybe sad.... and that it's possible to overcome the struggle, the pain, the uncertainty. There is comfort in familiarity.

We need to know life is possible. That there is a light at the end of the tunnel... Yes, there is hope.

Or, we want to offer that hope. We want to say, Hey, I've been there! Maybe I can help you, offer my shoulder or ear, support you in some way...." (I love those kind-hearted souls, don't you?)

So where do you fall in this convo? (or strive to be??) Are you authentic or artificial (aka, nice)? Does it change with people in your life? I know people who turn it on and off like a light switch. I know. I know. We're different people with different people, but at the end of the day...

Are you authentic?

If you're following this blog or you follow my Instagram account, then you know I'm aiming for authentic, not afraid to share what I'm thinking, feeling, struggling with... in the hopes it'll help someone else find comfort, clarity, and maybe a chuckle. I mean... let's be real. Right?!

Glad you're here! It's good to be among friends. Stay real (or hang with us and find your way there!).

I'm cheering you on!

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