Interestingly, being yourself allows others to be themselves. Even with crazy imperfections, being a bona fide genuine person is the best any of us can be—messy flaws and all!

Authentic people are so comfortable in their own skins they make us more comfortable in our own.

She is so secure in her beautifully imperfect self that she would welcome you with open arms, no judgment, and complete acceptance.

Do you generally feel uncomfortable around people whom you perceive to be perfect? Is there really such a thing as the perfect person? Of course not! Our flaws are often what differentiates us from each other, and no person is perfect.

I am a recovering perfectionist, and like all in recovery, I do better some days than others!

Authenticity isn’t just about saying “this is who I am”—it is also about being flexible enough to recognize and appreciate the uniqueness in others—honoring the mutual respect for being authentic and true.

Why did I think that the mask was a better portrayal than my authentic self? We can get hidden under layers of illusion, can’t we?

As a young girl, I allowed my self-esteem to be determined by others’ opinions, and I devoted incredible energy tuning into how everyone else felt.

As a lifetime people pleaser, I remember trying to mold myself into the person I thought other people wanted me to be—all for the sake of being liked and accepted. It caused more pain than gain.