Authenticity Isn't a Destination: It's a Daily Choice
Confessions of an imperfect trailblazer
What if the life you're supposed to live is holding you back from the life you're meant to live?
I stood at the intersection of expectation and authenticity; a successful life clouded by the societal pressure to fit into a pre-designed mold. The path of least resistance beckoned – settle down, conform, and color within the lines. But a persistent voice inside whispered of missed adventures, unrealized potential, and ultimately the risk of regret for not following my heart.
I'd love to declare my transformation was a dramatic, once-and-for-all decision, but the truth is far more complex. It's been a journey of constant choices, each a battle between the safety of conformity and the risk of never reaching my true potential. But I must tell you, each time I made the choice to fit in, I could feel the discontent deep within.
There have been moments of exhilarating freedom, nights of doubt, days of loneliness, and times when the weight of going against the grain felt almost unbearable. I've questioned my choices because of the judgment from others and, hardest of all, from myself. And I know I'm not alone.
Over the years, before each party, family gathering, or public event, I unconsciously prepared the proverbial "fists up" defense in anticipation of the questions, "Why aren't you married? Do you have children?" In one case, when the marriage question was asked, the entire group quieted, and all heads turned to look at me, eagerly anticipating an answer that would make sense. I fumbled and mumbled and shrank. Along the way, I realized that my pre-social-activity rehearsal process was a deep-seated belief that these were legitimate questions I needed to explain and defend.
Ultimately, I allowed them to make me feel inferior, failed, and flawed. It's the doubt these questions create, a second-guessing, a long-programmed fear society is right: my life is less fulfilling, less fully realized, and less complete without a romantic partner and children.
But through it all, I've learned that authenticity isn't a destination, nor is it someone else's responsibility to recognize and support. It's an awareness of those buried beliefs, an accountability for allowing them in, and then a diligent practice to internalize self-love and self-acceptance no matter the external noise. It’s a daily commitment to honor my truth, even when it's uncomfortable. And while this path has been far from easy, it has made all the difference. The struggles have shaped me, the challenges have strengthened me, and the joy of living on my terms has sustained me.
Dear Bold Soul,
Whether you're a seasoned maverick or just beginning to question the status quo, I want you to know: You belong here.
In our "Fearless Authenticity" community, we celebrate every shade of unconventional living. Here, your choice to remain child-free is met with understanding, not interrogation. Your solo adventures are applauded, not pitied. Your vibrant spirit at 60, 70, and beyond is an inspiration, not an oddity.
This is a place where:
The only "biological clock" we care about is the one reminding us to seize each day.
"Settling down" means grounding yourself in your truth, not conforming to others' expectations.
Success is measured by your joy, not by societal checkboxes.
Every week, you'll find stories that resonate, strategies that empower, and a community that gets it. Because let's face it – sometimes, living authentically can feel lonely. But not here. Here, you're surrounded by kindred spirits who understand the exhilaration (and occasional challenges) of charting your own course.
So, whether you're:
A vibrant woman embracing the freedom of a child-free life.
A solo adventurer finding richness in self-companionship.
An "ageless wonder" proving that vitality knows no number.
A career trailblazer redefining success on your own terms.
...we've got your back.
Here's a taste of what you can expect:
Real stories of individuals thriving beyond societal expectations.
Practical strategies for building unshakeable self-confidence.
Insights on redefining success, particularly for women and seniors.
Tools to silence your inner critic and amplify your authentic voice.
A community of like-minded comradery.
Ready to embrace your authentic self? Subscribe now, and let's rewrite the rules of living – together.
As a career industry authority with over three decades of experience and more than 1000 clients served, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self.
Welcome home, fearless one. We've been waiting for you.
Fearlessly yours,
Laura Lee Ellen Johnson
TIP OF THE WEEK
Let's start right now with a quick exercise – the "Values Alignment Check":
Write down your top three personal values.
List one action you've taken this week that supports each value.
Identify one regular activity that conflicts with these values.
Scoring:
►If you easily listed actions for all three values, you're well-aligned!
►If you struggled with one or two, there's room for improvement.
►If you couldn't list any actions, it's time to reassess your daily choices.
Follow-up Guidance:
For any values where you couldn't list a supporting action, brainstorm one small step you can take this week to honor that value. For the obstacle you identified, consider how you might minimize or eliminate it to live more authentically.
This simple check-in can be your first step towards more intentional, authentic living. (In upcoming issues, we'll explore strategies for living your values more deeply.)