.png)
By Brent Maksimovich, Founder, Aussie Dadding
We all throw these terms around a lot these days, but what do they really mean? What do they mean to us, and why, if at all, are they individually important and significant in our daily lives and in how we are viewed by our children and families?
In other articles, I will go in-depth as to the need and value for each of these individually, but it's important to know the difference and unique qualities of each.
HONESTY
Honesty is about being truthful with everyone, including yourself, in your actions, opinions, and everyday experiences and interactions with the world. It's important because from this foundation of honesty, trust can be formed with the people around you and even a trust in yourself. This leads to closer bonds and connections in all relationships, and a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. Something that I know I aspire to.
Also, crucially, when you are honest with yourself, you create an environment where you can quickly assess your true current position, make strong and confident decisions, and be resolved in their outcomes. A very centred place to act from.
AUTHENTICITY
Unlike honesty, authenticity is more about your choices and actions. It's about assessing the actions you will commit to next and truly being in alignment with them.
It can be much easier than being honest, but only at times. Being authentic can be extremely challenging too... Have you ever thought, "I wish I was fitter...?" If you were living your authentic life, AND this is something that you truly meant, then you would immediately head off to the gym/pool/road and begin. No matter how hard it may be, to live authentically means to put into action the hard parts to create the outcomes that you TRULY WANT.
Often, we want things, but we don't actually desire them. This is when we are creating inauthentic dreams. I feel like a good example of this may be something like losing weight. People often say that they want to ensure that they live long, comfortable, and healthy lives, that they want to be able to play with their grandchildren, but they don't actually lose the weight. It may be for a plethora of reasons, but it comes down to one specific question: Are you sure you really want to lose weight in the first place?
Being honest with yourself creates an environment where you can assess your true position, make confident decisions, and be resolved in their outcomes. It's a very centered place to act from.
My suggestion is that when it comes to important decisions in life, we should be more aware, confident, bold, and quite frankly brave enough to be authentic with ourselves first, and then more honest with the rest of the world.
If you are truly comfortable being overweight, and as much as there are reasons you want to lose some of it, it doesn't mean that ultimately your authentic self actually wants to lose the weight. You may feel more at peace with yourself if you come to this uncomfortable epiphany. If this is the actual truth within yourself, have the guts to stand up for yourself and own it.
In life, there's no definitive right or wrong way to be, but remember this – our choices define us. Living honestly and authentically is not just about our own satisfaction; it shapes the way our kids view the world and themselves. When they see us being real, accepting the consequences of our actions, and sticking to our truths, we're not just living for ourselves; we're setting a powerful example. This isn't about perfection; it's about integrity. By showing our kids the importance of being true to themselves and others, we're teaching them to value honesty and authenticity.
DADDING IN ACTION |
Reflect on one key event from today, asking yourself: Was I honest? Was I authentic? |