Authenticity is a buzz word that gets thrown around, but I had an experience recently which resonated authenticity with me.
Growing up high school was...interesting. I was in a group of friends where I didn't really feel like I belonged. They were the 'cool group' and I always felt like the imposter on the sidelines.
Over the four years of high school, along with all of the other things that happen in our teens and trying to figure out who we are, I developed a pretty significant imposter syndrome. Because of this I've always held back, struggling to just be in the moment and my true self around other people.
Over the last few years, with maturity and less of a give-a-shit attitude, my imposter syndrome has faded and I have started to embrace the person I am.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked by one of my girls to go on a roadie to Auckland with some other girls for an event that was happening in the social enterprise space. I jumped at the chance, thinking it would be a fun night.
The event was great, but for me the best part of the night was the open conversations on the trip there and back and the singing our hearts out in the car. I've never been one to let my guard down entirely, even with something as silly as singing with girlfriends in the car on a roadie. This was a truly authentic moment for me. I didn't care that I can't sing for shit, I let my hair down and joined in.
I think this comes down to two things...firstly I've become so much more comfortable in my own skin. People need to take me as I am, or they aren't my people. Secondly the group I was with were so authentic in themselves. I knew there would be no judgement, no rolling of eyes and no gossiping afterwards. We were just in the moment, a group of girls having fun and creating memories.
Blessings x