Sunday, April 1, 2012

Authenticity

The A to Z Challenge begins today.  I thought a lot about a theme and finally decided that it will be a way of being.  In all of the posts that I write, I will be authentic.  I love the quality of authenticity and I've been reflecting on what it means to me.  Authenticity is being honest, real and present.  I realized that I consider it a core value.  I gravitate toward authenticity and I run from anything superficial.  For example, it is difficult for me to make friends.  I only want to surround myself with genuine people and I am learning that these kind of people are rare.  That is why I am so grateful when I meet good people.  I often thank God for the wonderful friends He has blessed me with.   

Authenticity is also about being honest and living with integrity.  These values are crucial to being a good person, a positive role model, a true friend and a significant other.  Being authentic was a common theme during my graduate work in leadership studies.  While I learned about the practice of leadership, I realized that those people who are genuine are the ones who can impact others and foster change the most significantly.  It is a way of connecting with others and being able to work at a very organic place whether in an organization, a family or on a project. 

I'm thinking that my desire to be authentic is why I love photography and a writing non-fiction. They are ways for me to capture real moments in time. Even with adding artistic effects to these art forms, they are based on reality (however subjective that reality might be) and genuine intention, thought, emotion and purpose are portrayed in my art.  As I pursue my writing, I know that I need to become more disciplined and, though a bit anxious, I am looking forward to seeing where this journey will lead over the next month. 
              
    

29 comments:

  1. I love this first post in the challenge, being honest and integrity is most important in life, but I think most importantly is to be honest with one's self.

    Good luck with the challenge.
    Yvonne.

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  2. Authenticity - with it comes transparency. Good luck with the challenge.

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  3. Thank you World of Poetry & Sheila. I actually don't know how else to be. I lie so badly that I can't even play practical jokes on people. I absolutely do not have a poker face:) Good luck with the challenge as well.

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  4. Very good start and great topic. One of my axioms is, Honesty (authenticity) is not the best policy; it is the only policy. This was a great read, Thanks.

    Gregg Metcalf

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  5. I resonate with all that you wrote... and I'm glad I found another non-fiction writer!

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  6. Excellent choice for A. I believe without authenticity I have no faith in the other person. I can't read blogs I feel aren't authentic. I'm trying to cut out the people in my life who are not authentic, however, this is hard so mostly I move them to my occasional friend list. But does that make me less authentic as a friend? Probably. Oh, what a web authenticity can weave.

    PS I see we are close to each other! I'm in GA. :-)

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  7. I love authenticity in people. Children do it. Animals do it. Why can't we?

    I like what you said about writing non-fiction captures real moments in time.

    Great post!

    Teresa

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  8. A wise and useful post to live by.

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  9. I think honesty and integrity are like precious pearls - to be treasured and valued as and when they appear.

    I love this picture - made me want to stop and just clear my thoughts and relax - thank you for that!

    SueH I refuse to go quietly!

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  10. Nice topic. It is sometimes hard realizing who is truly an authentic friend. You often find out when a situation comes up and you need real friends. After you wonder why you wasted all that time on those who were not.

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  11. beautiful theme, first post & image! trifecta!
    happy a day!

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  12. Authenticity is an "a" word that maybe isn't thought about as much as some others, but certainly is important. Nice post, I really like your photo!

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  13. I don't think there is enough authenticity these days. Not sure where it went.

    welcome to me

    yummy stuff

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  14. Thank you to all the new folks who have commented as well as the ones returning. I really do value authenticity and am happy that others do as well.

    One of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Avolio, “You never know whose future life you are shaping simply by pursuing your own aspirations and living up to your own core values”.

    I hope that everyone has a wonderful Sunday.

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  15. Oh Jaime, what an awesome A !! I too think that authenticity is a core part of who we should all be. I loved it - can't wait for your B!

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  16. Jaime, What a great word; authenticiy...I truly think that is all we can be as people-our ability to do so attracts great people! Super post!

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  17. I love the aim of authenticity. Ever since I started blogging again last year, I've tried to ensure that it was a core aspect of how I presented myself. And sometimes that's been hard. I've talked about some private things, some hard things. And I've had the desire to be less open, less authentic, fearing the potential backlash. But I always came back (I hope) and said to myself, "No. If you're going to do this, you're going to do it right." I don't know if I can say I've been 100% faithful with that. But I've tried.

    Jo
    In Which We Start Anew

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  18. Thanks, Jo, for sharing this. It isn't easy but at least we are striving to be ourselves.

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  19. Great word choice. Authenticity is so lacking in our world that is is a great treat when you have a REAL connection with a friend.

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  20. It is most challenging to recognize authenticity, sometimes most difficult to accept it in one's own self.

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  21. Very nice first post. Authenticity is something we should all strive for especially in today's very artificial overloads!

    I look forward to seeing the rest of your posts!

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  22. I love the photo and the word choice. I almost chose Authentic Animals to go with today but went with Abundance Abounds instead. I love your way of thinking.
    Rhia # 873 on A to Z list

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  23. You wrote a beatuiful piece. It was very touching.

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  24. Authentic is something that I always strive to be, both in my writing and in life.

    The only thing that sucks is that not everyone gets to see my authentic side in real life until they really get to know me.

    Nice, honest post!

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  25. I completely agree with you - it seems that in today's time, more and more people are less and less true to theirselves and each other. I really enjoyed your post - thanks!

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  26. Looks like we have common interests, writing and photography. This is my first A-Z challenge and I am enjoying the new blogs. Fidel

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  27. love this post. Authenticity is important to me too. I'm in Florida as well!! An hour east of Orlando. I have some anxiety about A to Z, too, but it will stretch us! Good luck to you! I'll be checking back in.

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  28. like your blog. Will follow it from mine. It's great to read people you can relate to!

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