The Courage to Be Imperfect

My faith sharing group recently discussed authenticity and what a challenge it is to be who we really are without any pretense or facade.

According to Brene Brown, a psychologist, authenticity means having the courage to be imperfect, exercising compassion for ourselves and nurturing the sense of belonging that only occurs when we believe we are good enough. Practicing authenticity during our daily struggles is the way to have joy and gratitude in our lives, she says.

Since our culture tells us how to look, how to act, what to say, it's hard not to worry about what others think or whether we will be accepted. This is especially challenging for young adults who strive to be like everyone else. Whether it's pierced noses, spiked hair, or torn jeans, they want to fit in with the crowd. But it's not just teens. How many of us have the courage to voice our opinion when it's different from our peers? Or wear short hair when everyone else's is long? Or own our mistakes even though it might make us look stupid?

Many of us are harder on ourselves than anyone else. We think we aren't good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough. We need to practice self-compassion as well as compassion for others and to be grateful for our gifts instead of envying others. It helps to laugh at ourselves once in a while and to know we are unique, wonderful, and blessed just the way we are. .