Pretending

Society often values appearances over authenticity, it can be tempting to don the mask of a good person while hiding our true intentions and desires. We may find ourselves immersed in a culture that rewards external validation and superficial acts of kindness, leading us to believe that a carefully crafted facade is enough to be deemed "good." However, behind this guise lies a profound truth: pretending to be someone that you are not ultimately leads to a betrayal of our own integrity and deprives us of genuine human connection.

We may convince ourselves that we are sparing others from discomfort or conflict, however, when we seek acceptance, validation, or a sense of belonging by portraying an image that society approves of, we deny ourselves the opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and the development of authentic relationships built upon trust and mutual understanding.

It's like building a fragile castle upon shifting sand. It may seem solid at first, but as time passes, the foundation crumbles beneath the weight of deceit, leaving only an empty shell. We deceive not only those around us but also ourselves, trapping our true selves behind a façade devoid of honesty and vulnerability.

Being a genuinely individual requires introspection, self-awareness, and an honest evaluation of our own values and motives. It demands humility and a willingness to confront our flaws and imperfections without fear or judgment. It is through this inner journey that we can begin to cultivate the qualities that define true goodness: empathy, compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

Authenticity is not achieved by performing acts for the sake of recognition or validation. It stems from a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of others and to make a positive difference, even if no one is watching. It is grounded in consistency, as our actions align with our values and principles, even when no one is holding us accountable.

We must remember that authenticity is the backbone of meaningful relationships. By pretending to be someone else, we rob ourselves and others of the opportunity for true connection. When we embrace our authentic selves, flaws and all, we invite others to do the same, fostering deep and meaningful relationships built on trust, understanding, and shared values.

Shed the mask of pretense and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. When we acknowledge our shortcomings, when we embrace our authenticity, we open ourselves to the transformative power of genuine goodness. In this space of vulnerability, we can cultivate true connections and create a ripple effect of positive change. In essence, through our authentic selves and genuine acts of kindness that we have the power to sow the seeds of a better human experience.

ASE

Sophia Tavares Barrett