Authenticity

Authenticity resonates with me, and certain teachers (words, people, experiences) ring true.

Actors and people who wear multiple masks come off as inauthentic to me. It seems they think they are chameleons, delighting in changing their appearance or costume to match their surroundings, but I prefer to be my true self, all the time.

This means I generally mean what I say and say what I mean. I have a reputation for being "outspoken" and "opinionated" not to mention "loud" and "abrasive" but in my mind, if you can't stand the heat, please get the *f* out of my kitchen.

In other words, I move away from people whose energy I cannot stand to be around, and I would ask you to kindly please do the same. If my energy or voice is abrasive or obnoxious to you, or you cannot be near me because I smoke, I'll ask that you keep your distance, we are probably better online than in person.

However, for those of you who CAN stand to be in my presence, I enjoy your company. I appreciate your acceptance of me and my habits and personality. I realize I tend towards bodacious and bawdy, and I am delighted that you either find that entertaining or mind it little enough to stick around.

My dear friends and family provide a support network whether they know it or not. I thrive on positive feedback and learn from the negative. This does not mean I want you to train me like a dog;  the universe has already been doing that ever since I became aware of it about 5 years ago. What it means, is, if you have a compliment for me, please pay it, and if you have some gentle but constructive criticism, I would like to hear that as well, if you are able to present it in a way that is educational for me and not just critical.

I learn best by example. Other people set examples for me of how I'd like to be and, perhaps  more importantly, how I'd like NOT to be. When I weighed 200 pounds, I did not feel I was setting a good example for anyone.

Now that I am back down to 150 and headed for 135 where I belong, it is easier for me to demonstrate what it can mean to be an active, loving, conscious, caring, empathetic, non-judgmental smoker.

I may not walk the talk 100% of the time yet, but I am certainly walking TOWARDS the talk!

Love,
Lynda
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