Ever since I wrote my recent post about authenticity, I seem to keep coming across the most thoughtful, wonderful articles and interviews about what it means to live life authentically. It’s as if the universe is telling me to get on with it and start putting the real me out there more often.  Now that I’m in my mid thirties, I think I know myself pretty well. I do, however, still find it challenging to speak and act in line with my values in situations that are not entirely comfortable for me. In order to keep moving forward I know that this needs to change.

Reading about something is, of course, by no means the same as doing it. I spent countless years devouring inspirational books about running without lacing up my own running shoes. I have, however, always found the insights and wisdom of others very helpful and inspiring, so I thought I would gather together and share some of the things I have read and listened to recently about authenticity.

The following extract is from the blog A Cup of Jo. The author’s mother emailed the following powerful advice to her daughter –

“It seems to me that being authentic is being brave enough or just candid enough to be honest about what you are experiencing or who you are, whether it is popular are not. A person gives a gift to other people when they say, ‘This is what happened to me or this is how I truly feel, no matter what the popular belief is about what I should feel.’ Whenever you are honest, you are speaking for a thousand silent people who don’t have the voice to say what they really feel or are really experiencing. So, if you ever talk about [the thing you went through], you will touch a million hearts. Because you are speaking for more than just yourself. You are never alone in what you are feeling. I love you.”

How beautiful. Joanna’s post, which she wrote soon after reading these words, is incredibly powerful and moving, and one that I’m sure will be helpful to many women.

Next, I’d like to share Kate James’ interview with Robert Rabbin, the person who changed her perception on what it means to really live life authentically. It is a lovely interview, which I listened to after a day that had left me feeling emotionally drained. I had remained silent during a difficult conversation, keeping my values and opinions safely locked away from the majority view. Kate’s interview helped me see that part of living authentically is having the courage to share your perspective even when it is difficult to do so. You can listen to the interview here and read Kate’s recent newsletter about interviewing Robert here.

Finally, I want to share two wonderful interviews with the queen of authenticity Brene Brown (here and here). And if you haven’t watched her TED talk yet it’s a must. In the spirit of authenticity, I have listened to  Brene’s talk a number of times and it makes me cry every time!