Authenticity

5th April 2026

"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are." — Brené Brown.

We have been pulled into this trap of posting happy pictures, showing a happening life, partly because of social media. Now, why partly? Because we were doing this before the internet and social media, too.
Remember hating a relative secretly and not being able to do anything about it? Being quiet when you actually wanted to answer back, answer a nosy auntie for the comment she made on your clothes or appearance? Being upset with a friend's behaviour, but reacting as if nothing happened or that it did not affect you? All these come under the "Think we are supposed to be..." part of the quote.
Every act that compels you to do the opposite of what you feel makes you end up being inauthentic to yourself.
Q: Is it really possible to be authentic all the time?
A: I think yes, it is. Because once you are authentic, you are at peace with yourself. And, it's so addictive that you would hardly be affected by what others think of you.



Q: Won't that mean we would be left out?
A: Not exactly, the right ones gravitate.
Also, the ones who leave were actually not meant to stay in the long run. You will realise this later in life. The moment they leave will still be painful. And it's okay, because we are humans.

Q: Is it possible to be authentic and not end up hurting anyone?
A: Yes, it is possible. Being authentic is very different from pleasing people. You have to pull out your authenticity weapon when it comes to trading your choices, opinions, and wishes. When you are true to yourself, authentic to yourself, everything falls in place.

Q: Will I ever feel guilty of being authentic?
A: No. The moment you feel guilty of your authenticity, understand that you are being manipulated for somebody else's purpose.

Q: If being authentic costs me losing my loved one, what should I do?
A: Imagine a weighing scale. Fill the entities on each side of the weighing scale, and compromise on the one that weighs less. But do that with grace. If you choose authenticity, convey that to your loved one through a mature conversation. If you choose your loved one, make sure you convince them to agree to disagree whenever it hurts you.

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.