Authenticity is not something we have or don’t have.

It’s a practice - a conscious choice of how we want to live.

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.

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.

**Choosing authenticity means:**

* Cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable;
* Exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle, and
* Nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we believe that we are enough.

Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and loving - even when it’s hard, even when we’re wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we’re afraid to let ourselves feel it.

Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives.

*The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown*