Cross Culture Coach

"Authentic" has been named the Word Of The Year for 2023 by the oldest USA dictionary, Merriam-Webster. The selection was made in response to a significant uptick in searches for the word's definition. (The 2022 word was 'gaslighting')
Authentic reflected a heightened interest in discerning between 'real' and 'fake'. The dictionary noted that the concerns with delineating authenticity were largely propelled by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Social media posts, photographs, and celebrity interest contributed to the surge. As a work/life coach and psychotherapist my first thoughts about the word 'authentic' differ from those who searched the dictionary definition. I checked on myself, how authentic am I as a person, as a professional? We may value being authenticity in ourselves and others. However, acting on it can feel very risky. It can expose our vulnerabilities and open us up to rejection, criticism, and conflict.
Can we navigate authenticity with grace and compassion for ourselves and others? It may feel daunting, yet, the rewards may be profound. Maybe we begin with small, safe steps. I remind myself of my mantra: don't believe everything you think!
My best wishes for a joyful and authentic 2024!