Lately, it seems as if there is not one moment in my life that I am not thinking about every moment of my life. And it is exhausting AF.
It takes a brittle fortitude to persist in unflinching examination of oneself. One’s true self. To not turn away. To not refute, reject, refuse some new (old?) revelation. Those Ah-Ha moments often come with an Oomph. A kick-in-the-gut hurting that takes away unprepared breath in a sudden blow.
Introspection is such necessary but fragile work – realizing, understanding, and accepting connections leading to self-awareness. It ain’t pretty. This crap is complicated as hell. It’s much easier to dismiss or glaze over, or avoid entirely. But this work – and it is Work – is the foundation of true authenticity. It’s how we learn our critical life lessons. Introspection forms the building blocks of understanding and owning who we really are… and not the curated bullsh*t of a “brand” on social media. Artificial authenticity is not a thing.
If I’m not being honest about who I really am is it because of a deliberate duplicity, or an innocent ignorance that’s just waiting to be informed? I was made aware over the weekend that I was picking and choosing the parts of myself to claim as Authentic. It doesn’t work that way, though. We know this.
The journey continues and I will not be deterred. I will stay curious. But I might take a break when I’m tired. And that’s OK.
Bamboo forest in Kyoto. Sometimes you can’t see the trees for the forest. 
Lighthouse on the Oregon coast 
Sunset on Klamath Lake in Oregon
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The Hot Goddess 
The real authentic Natalie is just too awesome 😎
But yes, true introspection is tough 😊
All the best Natalie 🤗
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Thank you so much, Ashok!😊💛
All the best to you as well🤗
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My pleasure Natalie 😊🤗
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Def good to take breaks from the introspection! When I feel that way, I plop on the couch and watch the Kardashians for hours on end, ha! 🤷🏼♀️💕☺️
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Lol!😁💜
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Great post. I think we are all aware of our own flaws and although they help make up our authentic self, we all select preferred parts of us to project to the world. That is just human nature.
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Thank you! Yes, you’re right💛
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Yes, working on ourselves can be exhausting and part of why I’ve mostly given up on trying to improve myself. Authenticity is a worthy goal. May you enjoy the process and take all the breaks you need and want. As another blogger friend says, breathe in, breath out…. Hugs.
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Thank you, Brad! Good advice💛🤗
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You’re welcome. I bet you know what’s best for you. 🙂
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Excellent post. Truth. ❤🙏😊
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Thank you so much, Jeff 💛😊
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You are most welcome. Is my pleasure. 😊❤️
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