An Over Articulation of Authenticity

Izzy Grandic’s Lessons

2020 felt like a year of authentic discovery. For example, I uncovered my deep enjoyment for peculiar fun facts and updated my Twitter bio accordingly:

However, there’s knowing your authentic self and knowing when to be your fully authentic self. I’m still learning that second part.

In identifying my values, I’ve derived my “authentic self” and authentic actions. (And yes, I’m still discovering !!!!) Yet, there are times where my values and another party’s values do not align. Some battles are not worth fighting; it’s much easier to change yourself than change the world.

Since I don’t want to be in an echo-chamber where my authenticity is the only thing accepted, value-clashes will inevitably happen. I find new perspectives riveting.

For example, I spent most of this year learning about healthcare in West Africa, where I had the opportunity to learn from West Africans who reside in very different cultural environments. I received photos, stories and information that was surprising. Although my way of living life and experiencing the world may be different than theirs, that doesn’t mean theirs is incorrect.