As a poet/writer I have learned from interactions with others that it pays to be authentic in one’s writing. If I hide myself behind rhetoric and mouth words only to impress or please, it will show. This is true in everyday life and relationships too. People around us are not fools and will see through the sham. On the other hand authenticity and the vulnerability that goes with it are relatable. Others see their weaknesses and strengths reflected in ours, which can be therapeutic leading to loving-kindness, empathy and living as opposed to existing.

The Oracle of Delphi instructs “Know Thyself”; authenticity stretches that to “And BE Yourself.” To “be oneself” requires that we stay constantly in touch with our inner self. The self one is born with, one we are constantly in search of and the one each of us should live. Yes, not as easy as it sounds but worth all it takes to achieve this self-integration; being aligned with one’s ideals, beliefs and purpose helps one steer through life with greater fulfilment. It is journeying inward, meeting one’s self and discovering this miraculous thing called life in all its loveliness – joyous, painful, amazing, enriching, mystifying, terrifying and transitory!

Genuineness implies being honest and direct in one’s work and relationships without being judgemental. It means inhabiting the inner self in the moment, experiencing the here-and-now and accepting it as it is. One can never tell how one’s life will impact another’s, so it is best to stay true to one’s core values and feelings. Living one’s own truth in a world that is aggressive, manipulative and false can be like floating in a dark void. But that emptiness is the magnet that will attract sincere people, forge true and lasting relationships and lead to abundantly gratifying experiences.

Authenticity often entails the risk of moving out of our comfort zones to stand up to behaviours (individual, societal or political) that are noxious and/or fruitless. Stepping into unknown terrains can be intimidating. Hanging out on a limb to be evaluated by those ready to axe the branch you are on can be very scary. It is being visible in all one’s nakedness, it is being real, it is having courage. Consenting to be open to the lesions of life is also allowing its beauty, bounty and blessings to flow over the hurts that they may heal.

It cannot be summed up more beautifully and concisely than in the following words of Sue Fitzmaurice:

“What it means to be authentic:

• to be more concerned with truth than opinions
• to be sincere and not pretend
• to be free from hypocrisy: "walk your talk"
• to know who you are and to be that person
• to not fear others seeing your vulnerabilities
• being confident to walk away from situations where you can't be yourself
• being awake to your own feelings
• being free from others' opinions of you
• accepting and loving yourself”