Truths

Am I My Sister’s Keeper

Journey to your Authentic Self

Truths

May 27, 2013

If you want truth you have to give truth.  I find myself demanding truths from the people around me but if I really analyze myself I really don’t give my truth. People always tell me how strong and decisive I am.  They feel that I have it all figured out, life that is.  But if I take an honest look at myself I would admit that is the persona I portray.  I portray this strong Black woman who has it all together, who doesn’t need anything or anyone. Not!!!  This is so not true.  I need connections.  I need strong relationships.  I need people around me that will help me stay honest, who I can unburden with and who can help me through hard times and vice versa.

 Think about it Black women, what is your persona?  What parts of you do you let others see?  I know we all do it.  We all hide our truth.   

My take on the situation is this:  We as Black women have to wear so many hats that it just becomes easier to just keep one hat on to show the world.  We hide behind the professional woman hat.  That’s the hat our parents want us to wear to show off to their friends how well the raised us.  We keep this hat on even though we would rather be a dancer, a poet, or an author perhaps.  All of which are not as prestigious as the CEO of a major corporation or an entrepreneur.

I think we do this because we are afraid.  We are afraid that others will not accept our real authentic self.  We feel that we have to be everything to everyone. We have to be the professional productive citizen for our parents.  We have to be the perfect role model and parent to our children.  We have to be the perfect woman to our men so they won’t stray.  We have all of these entities hovering over us, smothering us that we loose ourselves in translation. 

It’s time to be real with ourselves and others.  Show the real you.  The real you is interesting, funny, classy, happy and fun.  Showing your real self will allow you to be happier and more authentic.  I know that is my goal, to show my truth, speak my truth and to be my authentic self.
So the next time I look stressed but the words coming out of my mouth is everything is fine.  Stop me.  Ask me what is really going on. If we hold each other accountable we will all become better people.

By Janice Brantle: Author of "From the Brink of Insanity Comes the Light" &  "The Forgotten ~ A Love Story"

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