Why being authentic isn't always the best advice

Has someone ever told you “Just be yourself or authentic?”

Those were the kind words my co-worker said before we ended our virtual meeting.

I was feeling a little anxious about facilitating a new workshop. She had asked me to sub for her. I wanted to help, and I'm sure many of you can relate to saying yes even when we sometimes wish we had said no."

So, as I was sipping on my beverage and trying to pump myself up with some old school rap songs my nerves got the best of me. 

And I accidentally poured a cup of burning hot coffee directly on my laptop. And it shut down. So, I tried turning it on a dozen times but, no luck.  

I had fifteen (15) minutes to figure it out before I would be “live”. 

I tried my best not to…

After wiping it down repeatedly and speaking to it like it understood what I was saying…. it turned on.

I had three minutes to spare before the workshop. As guests entered, I greeted them with a big smile, asked them questions and acted as calmly as possible. 

Was I being authentic in that moment… no. 

Inside of me I was still trying to catch my breath. 

But the reason behind what I do is to serve amazing educators in helping misunderstood children. So, I commit to my practice. 

We all show up to work sometimes feeling anxious, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, and tired. 

Then we put on a brave face, smile, embark on their play and most often than not we start to reconnect with our why. 

And it’s different for each one of us. But the faster we remember “why am I here” or “what can I offer them today” or “if this was my last day, how would I want to be remembered”, the quicker our worries dissipate, and we live our purpose. 

With much love,

Alex