Integrity means “the state of being whole, entire or undiminished”. Authenticity means “being who you really are. Not being false”. In the context of emotions, it means your face matches your heart. No one enjoys the company of someone who is chronically wearing a social mask.
I’m a firm believer in living your truth. If you’re angry, show it. If you’re sad, show that too. Life has a fairly long emotional scale, and at any one moment we can find ourselves anywhere on that scale for whatever reason. We should acknowledge it, honor it and embrace it (just not wallow in it).
However, there is a moment when you have to change your face and be temporarily out integrity and unauthentic (in the above context). That moment is when your dreams need you. Your dreams don’t care how you feel. They want to know you’re on your way. They’re waiting for you at the end of your journey.
You will either arrive and greet them, or you will arrive at geriatrics with a reel of moments when your feelings were more valuable than your dreams. In those moments, the mask was appropriate.
-Real Talk
