Real or fake. Two words we throw around often in everyday conversation as casually as we say the infinite NY slang, You Good? For those of you who may not be from around these NY streets and are reading this blog for the first time don’t worry, I got you. Here is your short 2 minute explanation. So… You Good can range anywhere between these following questions: Everything ok? You mad or nah? Whats really good with you? Lets talk?…and the list goes on and on but I will stop here for now. As you can see, one simple saying, in this case two words, can have so many different definitions. Just as this word right here at the top of this blog post is thrown around and seen as the next new trend. But, from observation I have seen the impact it’s supposed to have has not shifted the culture towards improvement and or a new era. Instead it has deterred it away and is deemed as catchy and “the next new thing.” It is thrown in the air frivolously and with a never ending chase to achieve this level of “authenticity.” Yes, there is a hunger to be different and unique but what lacks is the true meaning of its essence. Walk with me…I am going somewhere.
Let’s take it to the dictionary for some sound definition. According to Webster Dictionary, authenticity can be defined as:
- Not false or imitation
- True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character
- Made or done the same way as an original.
…Let that sink in for you right there as I had to take a second to let my brain process. Besides the obvious as number one is defined, my attention was immediately drawn to the second definition. For a quick background for those of you who know me and those who are getting to know me through this blog, I double majored in Dance and English Literature in college with a concentration in African American Studies. These are two of my number one passions and I say that because they both equally share parts in my heart that I believe has made me the woman I am today. I have a saying I came up with my best friend/fav person..(you know who you are) and it’s called the lit bug. I know it’s pretty corny and out there but you know sometimes out there is where all the discovery happens. So, lit is short for literature and the big idea came about because like a bug it’s always moving around leaving a trail sometimes and diving into new areas and crevices. When I read the second definition my inner lit bug was activated in full effect. Immediately, I began to look closely at these two words that stood out to me: spirit and character. I could feel a trail of questions in my mind begin to form immediately. All of them were centered around one theme: the inner parts. The substance of what makes up who you are, the inner light that shines and is reflected on the outside revealing itself in its purest form. These are questions I have been asking myself lately because I find it is fairly easy to get distracted with two different lights. One that requires attention and one that does not. The fuel/intention of the light’s origin differentiates which one is both attainable and sustainable. The longevity of how it’s kept I have found in my own experience fully relied on the focal point. What are your eyes focused on?
Where your sight is, the trajectory of your life is.
Here goes our blind faith knocking on the door again letting us know, Hey there! It is time to trust fall. I have found that to trust is to remain true in honesty. There is no trust without honesty. Trust allows for the entry of growth, improvement and as authenticity is defined, nothing false or in imitation. For anything that is truly authentic there has to be a clear understanding of what and who you are made of. If this has not been discovered a pause is needed to sit and observe. As I am right along with you everyday. Growth is inevitable but I am finding on this journey of stepping, knowing who is my focus and who is the author keeps the foundation grounded and anchored no matter the storm. For many we may be focusing our steps on validation from others, how many followers/likes we have on social media, comparison to other peoples lane and speed. The list can go on and on but it’s just something to get your brain thinking and reevaluating if you so choose.
“To one owns personality, spirit or character,” begins to ring in my head. This is a maintenance I believe should not feel laborious but rather light and easy when the focal point is fixed. In my journey the author and finisher of my steps and days on this earth is my bestie up there. My friend who’s love lifted me when nothing else could. A focal point that is never hard to find and is true in real life form as I am coming to know him every day. When I got caught up in the other ways of determining what makes me authentic I found myself falling each time. Whether it was low self esteem, trust issues, misconstrued perception of self, it all resulted in fruit that was no good. A character that was false in imitation instead of truth and a never ending fall further and further away from the light. It was this redefinition that truly shifted my life and I have never been the same since.
Authenticity is anchored in truth and the focal point in which it is being drawn from. The revealing of the truth moments we have all experienced in its transparency is inevitable and at some point it will show for itself what you are really made of. There will be a discovery of what lies deep in your soul, what is being fed and what is dying inside. I don’t know about you but I desire the truth even if it hurts. The real thing over the knock off. The substance over the shallow. Always remember pain is an indication that you are growing. It is your muscles being stretched to sustain a new height and elevation. A new place that requires more capacity and room to expand. In that comes this light I mentioned in the beginning that requires no audience but shines on its own strong and firm. But none of this can happen if your focal point is undefined leaving authenticity without a home and covering. Residency is intimate and is usually broken up into these three entry points: the heart, mind and thoughts. These are all very intricate gates that should require top notch protected security before access is granted. The moment your standards on entry are lessened because of a confused focal point, the substance of authenticity is stripped away one by one. But, I truly believe for anyone reading this it is not your portion. Will the steps be easy? Probably not, but the choice is being made and that is what’s most important. Life is about a series of choices that can lead to three different directions: right, left, or cyclical. But I believe once authenticity is redefined and centered in truth those steps you make get a little stronger and a little wiser leading you in the right direction one foot after the other. As always, let’s continue to take them one step at a time.
Forever in Faith. Forever in Motion,
Faith Joy Mondesire