Daily Thoughts
3/20/21
Authenticity. As children and adolescents, we were encouraged to conform. Children learn that they get rewarded if they do what the adults around them ask them to do and get punished if they don’t. During the crucial first six years of life, we “domesticate” our children to try to make them be who we want them to be instead of fostering their authentic selves. That process continues throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Whether it is the body shaming of young men and women, the ostracizing of those of differing gender identities and orientations, the critiques of ethnic hairstyles and/or dress, or the political polarization that is all too evident in our society, the authentic self of many in our society is being squashed. If we each can embrace our uniqueness, we can help to facilitate a change in attitude and help society celebrate its diversity.
From where I sit, I celebrate my weirdness and embrace my authenticity.
From Where I Sit with Dr. Mark 