Authentic Odyssey

'Being Unapologetically Authentic' – I came across this topic on LinkedIn and it really hit home for me. This topic sparked many conversations on how tough it is to stay true to ourselves, hence it's a conversation worth having as embracing authenticity is often overwhelming. So, if you're reading this, I encourage you to not just like it, but also share your own experiences as we are the ones who can redefine norms.

When I first set foot into the professional world, little did I know, that I possessed such a powerful trait—the ability to stay true to myself which turned out to be the very essence that shaped my personal brand. In my journey to find my groove in the professional world, I stuck to one simple principle: being true to myself. I never bent to fit the mold or sacrificed my values just to blend in. But let me tell you, it was anything but smooth sailing.

Along the way, I encountered mentors and supervisors who welcomed my authenticity with open arms. They saw the fire in my eyes and the genuine passion that fueled my every action. Those were the moments when my heart soared, and I knew I had found my tribe.

But there were also those who didn't quite understand or appreciate my authentic self. They perceived it as a weakness and used it as an excuse to deny me the things that I rightfully deserved. Trust me, I had those sleepless nights as these things undermined my confidence.

Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, I learned a valuable lesson. Authenticity isn't about blindly embracing every weakness or flaw; it's about acknowledging them and nurturing them with kindness. It's about finding the strength within us to rise above the noise and stay true to our values. As time went on, I discovered that the more I embraced my authentic self, the more I attracted like-minded individuals into my circle, leading to remarkable connections and relationships that inspired my journey even further.

Now, I won't sugar-coat it; there were still moments of resistance and setbacks. But each time, I dusted myself off, stood tall, and reminded myself that my authenticity was worth fighting for.

In fact, these principles go beyond the workplace and extend to our personal lives too. Whether I'm at a laid-back get-together or a fancy affair, I prefer to eating with my fingers (except for noodles, that's a different story). Sushi and chopsticks? Nah, not my thing. I've learned to trust my gut and developed a knack for discerning genuine folks from those putting on a façade. I've let go of shallow connections and embraced my true self, free from any pretenses.

To put in my two cents (though it's become quite the overused phrase these days, everyone seems to have two cents to offer, and sorry for joining that band wagon) - being unapologetically authentic in the workplace is no walk in the park. Authenticity is not about being perfect or conforming to others' expectations. It's about embracing your true self, celebrating your uniqueness, and creating a workplace where authenticity thrives.

So, keep being unapologetically you, because that's where your magic lies!!!