a productive pen

There is also the very public nature of the Internet as a communication medium, and whatever you post online could potentially be seen by an audience that you have no control over. These and other factors combine to make me a bit hesitant to share too much about my authentic self online. There is always that underlying fear that someone for whose eyes that information was not intended might see it, or there is the possibility that the person you are communicating with is being less than genuine and could mean you harm. Then there is that fear of going out on a limb and sharing from your heart and then not being understood or worse ridiculed for your views.

Recently I came across this great quote from one of my favorite authors, Dr. Suess. He said, wisely:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~Dr. Suess

Taking this sentiment to heart has served to inspire me to be more authentic in what I write and not worry so much about how it is perceived. As long as my intentions remain pure, I am certain that my words will resonate with those who are meant to receive the message. There will always be negative voices in this world. Haters, if you will, who derive pleasure from diminishing the work of others while contributing nothing themselves.

So, I challenge those who are reading this to take a moment and think about how you present yourself. Does the concept of ‘fake it ’til you make it’ cause you to present yourself as something that you are not? I say be who you are. The world does not need any more posers. We need to hear and embrace positive, authentic voices that come from a place of integrity and the intention to build others up–to add value rather than simply inflate or promote their own ego and hidden agenda.