'Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It´s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.' - Brené Brown

Social media has a quite bad image when it comes to reveal true character. How do we look like without the Instagram filter? Where are our Facebook friends when we unplug?
Are we still empathic, kind, generous, cool, smart and relaxed when cameras are off?

How much authenticity can we really expect in virtual environments?

The other me

From my own personal experiences it has always felt better to be not liked for what I am than to be loved for what I am not.

I think authenticity is something that we have or we don´t. It´s a practice, a conscious choice of how we want to live and how we want to relate with others.

It definitely requires a certain measure of transparency, integrity and vulnerability.

If there is no wall then there are no safeguards.

In the end it doesn´t really matter if we are moving ourselves in virtual or true reality.

In both worlds we can either slip into a role or just embrace ourselves.

While we are wondering which way to go, we shouldn´t forget that we actually like people for all these tiny things they are doing without even being aware of them. We are not impressed by accuracy. We don´t fall in love with perfection. We rather get touched by the rough edges.

Less perfection. More authenticity.

I don´t know how you prefer to handle it, but I have an instinctive desire for the genuine.

I´ve never felt attracted or moved by anything artificial. I like freckles and laugh lines, slips of the tongue and slapstick. I like everything natural and trustworthy.

You can lie to the whole world but you can´t lie to yourself.

No matter how credible your stories might appear, there will be that point of time when the facade will be about to crumble. It needs a very good memory to be a successful teller of fairy tales. And trust me, they will be all unmasked one day :-)

'The currency of blogging is authenticity and trust.' - Jason Calacanis

I´d rather say that only being your authentic self is the ultimate secret to happiness in life - whether if you´re a blogger or not.

Ain´t these colors beautiful!

I am actually not sure if we can inspire others and awaken their hearts without being authentic at all. I´ve never tried to.

Standing next to your life´s story and trying to design it from the outside must be like watching your own birthday party on TV...

Thanks for your attention, I hope you enjoyed the read :-)
Marly -

All pictures done by myself (original content), except the quote: picturequotes.com