Authenticity

Have you ever gone out for dinner, read the menu, decided what you'd really like to order, and then ordered something else because you were afraid the other people at the table might judge you for it? Have you overheard someone talking about a musician you like with distaste, only to agree with them for fear of being ridiculed? I've done it, definitely, more than a few times. It's like for that moment in time the most important thing in the world is just to fit in and to be like everyone else, but why?

Since noticing that I would often hide my true feelings I've tried to make a conscious effort to do the opposite, and the results are pretty interesting. For example, if I hear someone bashing a TV show that I like to watch, instead of agreeing with them, I voice my affinity for it. When I go to a restaurant and decide I want the double deluxe bacon cheeseburger with fries and gravy, I order it, even if everyone else at the table is sharing appetizers. When you start to live authentically the strangest thing happens, the people around you are immediately inspired to also be themselves. I can pretty much guarantee you that when you and your girlfriends sit down at a restaurant and everyone says 'oh I'm not that hungry', SOMEONE (besides you) is starving! When you pipe up that you're ordering an appetizer, main, and extra dessert, there's a girl at the table that is secretly thanking you for speaking up.

There isn't a particular physical trait, outfit, hair color, or ethnicity that's sexier than the other. There is only one universal truth for being sexy, and that's confidence. When you live your authentic self every single day you can't help but be confident, it becomes second nature to just be exactly who you are. You are absolutely not perfect but that in itself is exactly what makes you so unique; your distinct lack of perfection. The way you do your hair, the way you dress, the manner in which you speak is all so exclusively you. Don't water it down or dilute it so that other people find you more palatable or more like everyone else. Uniqueness makes some people uncomfortable, probably because they themselves are living behind a facade and they would appreciate if everyone else would do the same.

Think about the last person you met that was absolutely magnetic and interesting in every way. Chances are they weren't the most beautiful or articulate person you'd ever met, but I bet they were confident. Don't apologize for being you and don't be afraid to show your true colors, be prepared that not everyone will like what you have to offer, and THAT'S OK. We don't like to deal with or face rejection but it's absolutely exhausting to try and be everything to everyone, there will inevitably be a few people that don't appreciate you, but so what? Wouldn't you rather be surrounded by quality individuals who love you for who you are than acquaintances that like you because of who you pretend to be? Life becomes much less difficult when you just are who you are with no regrets.

The next time you grab a shirt off the rack just to put it back because other people might judge you for it, throw everyone else's opinions in the garbage. What do you really think about it? That's all that matters. And that girl behind you? She saw you buy that shirt too and was inspired to try it on. When you live authentically it not only has a positive influence in your life but the people around you will be compelled to do the same. Don't be afraid of who you really are, it would be such a shame if the world didn't get to experience the unique beauty that is so wonderfully and exclusively you.

Meg
xoxo