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.