Inspired Authenticity...

What do these words mean to you? What expectation is brought to mind when you read them? I’ll give you a moment to think about it before you move on.

… (imagine Jeopardy music in the background) …

I don’t know about you, but it’s the word “inspired” that gives me personal pause. It’s such a big word.

I’m not worried about the “authentic” part. I’m pretty much what you see. I believe, or at least I hope, that most people that we see as being of noble or moral character show us their authentic and true selves. That doesn’t mean we get to see or know everything about everybody – we are all entitled to our privacy, no matter what social media may imply on any given day. Some things are, quite simply, none of your business.

However, you will know when you meet an authentic person. You’re happy to spend time with them, you are comfortable in your conversations (and your silence), and you trust them.

If that person is not quite as authentic as they might like for you to believe, you’ll know it! Trust your gut instinct, the hackles on the back of your neck, your mother’s voice ringing in your ears... You’ll know! And learn how to recognize it in your online dealings, as well. Don’t be a victim of fraud or scams.

Be authentic, know yourself, and you will attract others that are genuine to your circle.

Now, let’s back up to the “inspired” part. Why does it give me pause? I suppose because it is so much more personal to me, and to you. Inspiration is not the same for everyone. There are many things that inspire me, large and small. Some are just fleeting thoughts whose only purpose is to redirect me to the “next thing” while others are big thoughts. Heavy, soul-searching thoughts. Inspiration that wants to make a big impact for people. A lot of people, not just my small world. The kind of inspiration that requires days of thought and focus because your heart wants to make a positive impact on someone else’s future.

Big or small, inspiration should induce a ripple effect. An effect far larger than any one of us can make by ourselves. Let your inspiration flow forth and compound with other ripples! If you don’t share what inspires you, you’ll never know what impact your thoughts may make.  Don’t ignore what inspires you. Give yourself five minutes in your busy day to share your inspiration and your most authentic self to help us all thrive in the chaos of our everyday lives.

I hope this blog can make a difference via its ripple effect as our contributors share their thoughts and inspiration with you, and you share the inspiration you find with someone else, and we all find some Inspired Authenticity that is resounding and speaks to our souls.

contributed by Melody Lowe