Being Authentic: A Journey Through the Years

Authenticity. It's a word we hear often, but what does it really mean? For me, at 54, it's become a guiding principle—something I’ve grown into after years of trying to be everything but myself.

I can vividly remember times in my life when I was striving for acceptance by trying to be someone else. I didn’t feel good enough as I was. I believed I needed to be slimmer, prettier, cooler, more intelligent, more confident—the list was endless. These weren’t just fleeting thoughts; they were deeply rooted beliefs that shaped how I showed up in the world. They became chains—heavy, cumbersome, and suffocating. Looking back now, I understand it was a form of validation seeking, a manifestation of an external locus of evaluation. I needed approval from outside to feel worthy on the inside.

What strikes me most is that all of this happened before the age of social media, influencers, and content creators. Before smartphones became an extension of our identity. And it makes me wonder—if I struggled this much without those pressures, what are young people facing today?

Now, as a parent, I think about how I can create a space for my children to simply be. I can’t take away the digital noise or shield them completely from the world’s expectations. But I can be a steady presence. I can show them what acceptance looks like starting with myself.

I’ve come to understand that my authenticity is one of the most valuable gifts I can offer. When I model honesty, vulnerability, and imperfection—when I apologise, when I show up even when it’s hard, when I give love freely without expectation—I’m planting seeds. Seeds I hope will grow into resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of worth that doesn’t depend on validation from others.

Parenting in today’s world isn’t easy. Finding the balance between guiding and letting go is tough. And yes, sometimes it brings fear. But I believe if I can remain grounded, if I can hold steady during life’s storms, then perhaps I’m not only helping my children navigate their own path—I’m helping future generations break cycles and heal.

Authenticity isn’t a destination—it’s a daily choice. A practice. A way of being that continues to unfold as we grow. And I’m still learning. Still unlearning. But I’m here. And I’m showing up as me.