Waiter, there are tears in my ranch dressing…

Everyone seems to be talking about being their authentic self/speaking with their authentic voice these days.  And yeah - that all sounds G-R-E-A-T!!

But what we aren't talking about is the energy required to find and maintain your authenticity.  "Being authentic" is used as a catchall for happiness, confidence and clarity of focus.  But even the most authentic person is only as good as their counterpart:  Integrity.  

Authenticity is essentially being true to who you say you are and to what you say you believe. Integrity is being true to principles external to yourself. 

It's a bit easier to be fluid with authenticity because we're always changing, right? The truth of who we are on some days is not always exactly the same as others.  This presents an "authenticity loophole" of sorts. 

Integrity, on the other hand, is pretty constant.  It provides that you: 

1. Know what's right and wrong
2. Do what's right, even at personal cost.
3. Communicate about what you believe is right and what you're doing about it. 

Over the past week, I've been running a gauntlet of challenges both to my authenticity AND integrity.  I've had to state the following over and over again: 

My work is not focused on weight loss. I focus on creating a sustainable relationship with your body throughout your lifetime and regardless of what you look like/weigh. 

I do not use fear-based language in any of my presentations. I aim to expand perspectives through inspirational stories, science and asking questions that help you think for yourself. 

I believe it is ok to walk away from a business that is negatively affecting your mental health - even if that business is successful on paper.  If the business is negatively affecting the success of your life as a whole, it is probably the wrong model for the resources you have and it's ok to shift your focus. 

As I read these words again, I think I'm clear about who I am on paper. Then why did this week end with me crying into my carrots and ranch? 

(Ranch tastes better with carrots than with toxic diet culture-y guilt btw 😉)

It's the forge 🔥. I'm in it and maybe you are, too. 

"The strongest steel is forged by the hottest fires. It is pounded and struck repeatedly… The fire gives it power and flexibility, and the blows give it strength. Those two things make it able to withstand every battle…”

-Sherrilyn Kenyon

When it comes to authenticity and integrity, the blows are often more mentally challenging than physically.  The blows come as a challenge to who you are and what you believe. The fire offers flexibility to find the right words to speak those truths and the power to say them out loud.  

There's one more important piece - the cooling tub.  A tub of cool water, oil or brine that makes it all easier to handle.  And no, this isn't me suggesting you do a cold plunge - unless you want to! It's more recognizing that after a rapid succession of challenges to your integrity, taking a beat to remember who you are helps you handle the situation without getting burned.  

I'm sharing this with those who are geing forged as well as those who like carrots and ranch.  Same same, really! 

And hey - this authenticity thing is harder than the beautiful memes make it out to be. Don't forget to let yourself cool off every once and a while.  💖

Much Love, 

Jenna