Got Healthy Authenticity?
I’m often asked what’s the opposite of healthy authenticity, and I can tell that people expect me to proclaim, “inauthenticity, of course!”
But the opposite is a mouthful-of-a-term called “authenticity positivity bias. ” Check out Transcend, by Scott Barry Kaufman for all the deets. It’s terrific.
Healthy authenticity is when we acknowledge and integrate our whole self, accepting the parts of us we’re most proud of and the parts we’d rather bury. It’s a realization that we’re filled with paradoxes, that we cannot be reduced, that we “contain multitudes” (thank you, Walt).
The more we embrace our kind and dastardly selves, the more we can live from vulnerability, which Brené teaches us is the root of empathy, and self-awareness.
Brace yourself for more about authenticity positivity bias: we all swim in these deep waters. It’s the desire to only embrace the parts of ourselves that we’re most proud of. It’s the attempt to jettison all of the parts that bring us shame, guilt, and the similar beasts that break every lock in our basement.
But here’s the thing we know, thank you, Brené: whatever we don’t acknowledge, grows.
I’ve had to face that authenticity positivity bias has been my go-to. For decades, I tried to push away the “bad” and “unworthy” parts of me.
That led to depression.
I hardly have all the answers, but I wanted to write this blog for anyone out there whose positivity bias has got them in a vice grip.
Cultivating healthy authenticity isn’t easy–especially when you’d rather run, run, run, than take a look in the mirror. But I promise you it’s the route to transformation.
If you’re eager to learn more about healthy authenticity and how my Authentic Voice methodology can get you there, reach out. I’d love to work with you.
Meet Jen
I find nothing more rewarding than inspiring people to value their stories and the fullness of their journey.
