Dwindling Resources - Authenticity

Dwindling Resources - Authenticity

AT A RECENT GATHERING of some very high profile chicks, I watched the women cautiously enter the room. It didn’t matter that many of them were actually very famous, well-recognized gals; they still came to the party in costume, complete with masks.

Their masks didn’t come in a cardboard box with a cellophane window, nor were they the flamboyant kind one would wear to a masquerade party; no, these were invisible masks of protection worn because of fear of rejection.

I have found that regardless of social status, income, or race, many women have difficulty revealing their true selves. Big, beautiful personalities are consciously squelched for fear of stealing the spotlight; brilliant, insightful minds are dumbed down in order not to intimidate; perfection is painted on in order to cover up our dysfunction; and wealth or success is demonstrated in order to compensate for who we are not. That is until the woman hits her late fifties or early sixties. That’s when I think women begin reading Dr. Seuss again.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. —Dr. Seuss

Some of the women I enjoy the most have adopted Dr. Seuss’s philosophy. They are comfortable demonstrating to those of us who are younger that authenticity equals confidence. My girlfriends have shown me that being who we are supposed to be, rather than who we think people want us to be, is the way to exude grace and confidence.

I know from my older girlfriends that authenticity equals honesty. Honest people don’t play games and won’t pretend to be something or someone that they’re not.

Watching these gals move around at a party, I realize that authenticity equals respect for others. Because my girlfriends think so highly of others, they expose their real selves. When I’m with these girlfriends, I’m included; I belong.

Last, I know from being with these women that authenticity equals acceptance. Because my girlfriends are not going to judge me, they know I’m not going to judge them. I know I am accepted, just as I am, when I’m with them.

To acquire wisdom is to love oneself;people who cherish understanding will prosper. (Proverbs 19:8)

Grace. Confidence. Honesty. Trust. Inclusion. Belonging. Acceptance. Want some? Get real and come with me. Let’s peel off the masks.