Welcome to this relaxed conversation that explores some of the nuances of what it means to be authentic.
Reem and I explore the complexities and challenges as well as practical steps and strategies that can effectively overcome the hurdles gifted adults often face.
Authenticity can be difficult to express because of social pressures, fear of judgment, and the desire for acceptance.
People often feel the need to conform to expectations, whether from family, work, or society, which can make it hard to show their true selves.
Vulnerability is another challenge; being authentic means exposing your real thoughts and feelings, which can feel risky.
Additionally, self-awareness plays a role - not everyone fully understands who they are or what they truly believe, making authenticity a process rather than an instant choice.
This means that people grow into their authenticity over time.
Self-discovery, life experiences, and challenges help shape a clearer understanding of who we are. It requires self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Along the way, people may face setback moments when they struggle to be true to themselves, but these moments are part of learning. The more someone practices authenticity, the more natural it becomes.
Reem and I hope you enjoy this deep exploration, the stories we tell and the strategies we find useful. Thank you for listening. We appreciate you for being here with us.
Please find some useful resources at the end of this post.
Now let’s get the conversation started…
Resources:
Find out more about Reem: www.innergalaxy.com.au
Giftedness & Authenticity by Silver Huang: https://intergifted.com/giftedness-authenticity/
Authenticity and Brain Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10432154/
The Dark Side Of Authenticity in Organisational Life: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326275506_The_Dark_Side_of_Authenticity_in_Organizational_Life
Masking: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-masking
https://www.charliehealth.com/post/what-is-masking
Artwork: ‘The Path to Authenticity’ by Lil Jedynak. Mixed media on paper.
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