How willing are you to be real and change for the better?
How can one be natural and innocent without blemish to imbue integrity and rightousness? In our quest to be law-abiding citizens and knowing that a sense of integrity is part of what we should be dong for right, our spiritual walk don’t always balance out to the former or the latter. We are creatures of habit, set in our ways and not easily prone to embrace change. I would hasten to say that we are not all real -- even to ourselves, knowing that we could do better. Being real in my opinion is not easily something that is inherent and innate. Moreover, one of the most important interpersonal and universal skills is the ability to reach down deep and realize that to be authentic would be the very fabric that would weave integrity into a garment that we could wear well! What is authenticity and what does it have to do with the price of tea in China, you ask? One of the most important interpersonal skills is the ability to be authentic. Authenticity is simply defined as — the quality or condition of being authentic or genuine. That seems like such an easy entity to abide by, and it’s so easy to assume that we could change at a moment’s notice; however authenticity is more difficult to have continuity as a base for perseverance...it’s all about longevity and how willing one is to allow being real to surface. I’m aware that people just don’t have the wherewithal to be open and honest, especially if and when there’s a gain or an opportunity to advance a cause. It’s my assessment in cases like this that in order to have healthy, productive and legitimate interactions, individuals must learn how to reach within themselves to be accountable for their actions -- to become authentic.
The inspirational and spiritual aspect is part of the process, and it all starts with self-awareness and the image you’d want to portray and live by. I recently contributed to an award-winning anthology where I asked men how much do they want to be accountable...and would they be willing to admit that change is inevitable and needed to do well by their women and for family and community to be the progenitors of (their) good behavior. ‘Adam Where Art Thou’http://authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?id=20800) was another of my essays where I admonished men and young boys to ask questions like, “Who am I?” ”How can I be the best that I can be?” ”Am I just a caricature of my true self, and only putting up a front at the risk of losing out?” Any of these type of questions will help individuals begin to be gut level honest with themselves to determine self-worth and who they really are. Until we truly know who we are and become comfortable with who we are, we will have a tendency to lack authenticity. I’m not unscathed from this malady...and I’ve not always toed the line or walked in the footsteps of righteousness. I’ve had my problems. But along the way to the altar God got my attention and made me suffer a bit...broke me up and put me on my back. While on my back I was in no position for comfort -- I had no choice but to look up. You see, the key is knowing that you can be broken to be made whole again, but to stay on track you need to be real! The lack of authenticity does not only affect our daily routines as we go about our business, but it blends over into our metabulisms and mannerisms. Lying, cheating and being less than honest at the expense of getting over on someone for some ill-gotten gain is not the way for authenticity to define good works. Being yourself and developing good character traits should start from the earliest growth patterns on up until knowing from right from wrong is without measure.
The regiment for change should be par for the course if you know that there]s problems with your walk. The lack of authenticity boils down to insecurity and lack of self-esteem.So much so that people use lack of a secured sense of being to allow dishonesty to define the art of cheating. The need to be themselves sometimes are lost and they began to live a lie. or they’re so insecure with whom they are that they begin to mimic the likeness of others. This only creates a facade altogether and fuel low self estimic value. I can only speak for myself and can spot inauthenticity a mile away, a conversation away or an eye-to-eye confrontation away. Yes, I’ve been there and done it!
Here are a few simple ways finding the art of authenticity to regiment change:
- Be yourself! Be the same person at home, work, church, online… Don't be confused with context and content.
- Find your own voice, not the voice you feel is poputlar, but the voice God envisioned you to have.
- Develop real habits, be honest and open up to people closest to you. Ask and demand that they hold you accountable to improve in this area. Choose mentors and people you can learn from and hold them to high standards that you can emulate.
In closing, the ability to stand up and be tall, the realness of a good self-image can be the catalyst for change to define all that you should be. Make daily steps toward finding spiritual worth and a reservoir for inspiration. Your authentic self is who you are when you have no fear of judgment, or when faith allows you to make elections and callings surest. You’re steadfast in your walk and emboldened with a plan of action to be regimented for good change. before the world starts pushing you around and telling you who you’re supposed to be. The real you would emerge as you are endowed to give yourself permission to be your authentic self.
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