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"I dwell in possibility" ~Emily Dickinson

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On courage and authenticity

Posted on: 12.02.2012



So I’ve been thinking {That’s good right?} about what it means to live a courageous and authentic life.  This thought process has made me realize how often I am not courageous; and how my lack of courage actually causes me to be inauthentic. Sort of.

In fact, it might seem odd, but this little blog right here is the prime example of my lack of courage. I have been writing steadily for over four years (FOUR YEARS!?) on this thing and for the most part I have kept it pretty hush-hush. Like when people ask what my hobbies are, I say “You know, the usual, hanging out with friends, traveling, skiing, swimming, listening to music, reading and *covers mouth and coughs a little* writing.” Ahem what? Writing? No, I didn’t say that.

And then whenever the inevitable “blog” word comes up, I feel like I should justify it by saying “I know this sounds reeeeaaally nerdy: I write a blog.” Go crawl in the corner and be ashamed.

So that’s the back story about my cowardice. But the root of it is this: I have such a hard time letting people just think what they will! So I avoid “putting myself out there” and maybe looking a little strange. This is not the way to live with courage and authenticity.

The first step toward courage and authenticity for me is actually owning up to who I am to my entire social network. {If you want to know how freaked out I get about the social networking thing…click here!} One of my hobbies is writing. I love writing. And one facet of this hobby includes writing this blog.

Sometimes I even write about really scandalous stuff. Like my faith. {Oh my goodness, no she didn’t.} Yes. Yes, I do.

Sometimes I write when I want to punch someone in the face… with words, of course. (Probably shouldn’t have written that right after the faith point I just made…)

Sometimes I write with humor.

Sometimes I exude melancholy.

But for the most part, I’m really just me. An authentic, me.

So thanks for reading, friends! (Including those who found me through a social networking sphere.) I hope we can stay friends even when I’m being courageous and authentic.

9 comments:

  1. Nothing more cliché than encouraging you with an "amen!" Or a "Lawd help her!" So suffice it to say that I'm with you on this journey of courage as authenticity.

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    1. Thanks Ted! I could completely visualize you speaking when I read this. :)

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  3. Great blog Natalie. I don't really use the psyc_guy account much anymore.

    Mike

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    1. Thank you Mike! Amanda has been one of my most steady blogging companions. I love that I can be connected to you and your family through writing. I hope you have a great Advent season, and we'll miss you at our Palmer gathering!

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  4. This is such a wonderful, honest post. You're a great writer and you shouldn't hide your light under a bushel! :) Keep blogging, girl!

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    1. Thank you Kate! I've been reading your blog for quite some time. I love your writing style, your projects, and the openness with which you share your faith! I'm glad we can connect in this way!

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  5. Thanks for sharing Natalie! I look forward to reading more! Blessings to you!

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