Authenticity

There are, and always have been, individuals who dare to face the unknown and to follow their own inner spark. In other words: intentionally leaving something familiar and well-established behind in exchange for this gut feeling or inner voice, guiding them to slowly change directions.

Does that make them reckless dreamers? Is it an unrealistic endeavor to follow your passion or intuition? If so, how is it that we look up to them, secretly admiring their apparent ease, being inspired by their authenticity?

If THEY can, then why can’t WE? I believe we do. But it takes true grit.

And by that I don’t mean we have to swim against the current, stick out from the crowd or start a revolution. For me, it simply means gaining awareness of our own values and passions and being brave enough to follow their lead. This is not about happy-go-lucky or plunging head over heels into adventure, but about leading an authentic and meaningful life.

Beware though: we will have to expose ourselves and be vulnerable. We will encounter resistance, doubt and even rejection - both from others and from within ourselves. But if we keep going and are willing to contain this tension, we will slowly but steadily see eye to eye with who we truly are and what truly matters to us. A journey towards self-awareness and integrity - where our needs, wishes, emotions, intentions and actions are in line. With daring authenticity.