Really now?

GottaBe Me, Baby! 🌈

Is genuine the new gold? Or is authenticity just another overhyped buzzword? Let's dive in and examine whether we should be striving for authenticity, or if it's all just a load of hogwash.

So, what's the deal with authenticity being the word of the year, according to "People.com" and America's Most Trusted Dictionary, Merriam-Webster? Well, it's no secret that 2023 wasn't exactly a year that was dripping in authenticity. But hey, you know what they say – absence makes the heart grow fonder. And apparently, the less authenticity we have, the more we seek it out!

Inauthenticity in the Mirror

I, for one, consider myself a rather authentic individual. I mean, take a good gander at that mug in the morning, and I assure you that pretty much everything you see is as natural as it gets. I've got a plasterer's certificate to back that up, too!

But it's not just about the exterior, friends. It's the inner workings that truly make someone genuine. And since I was poised to take on the new year like a boss before it had even begun, I was already on the hunt for ways to optimize 2024 for myself.

The (Surprisingly Fun) Art of Being Yourself

So what works – and what doesn't – when it comes to being your most authentic self? I've got a few pointers for you:

1. Embrace writing your thoughts down: There's no better way to get to the heart of who you are than leaping headfirst into the depths of your own mind. So grab a pen (or a keyboard, if you're fancy) and spill the beans!
2. Laugh it up: Any movie, podcast, or book that tickles your funny bone is fair game. Laughter is the best medicine, right? And trust me, you'll be grateful for the dose of joy when the going gets tough.
3. Learn to name your feelings: What's that little voice in your head saying? Is it anger, excitement, or just plain old apathy? Giving shape to your emotions can help you navigate through life's messy waters.
4. Multitasking, be damned: Instead of trying to juggle a million things at once, focus on one task at a time. Trust me, you'll be thanking yourself when you don't end up as the crazy woman on the corner trying to pour her coffee through a taser.

Now, some of the advice that's floating around isn't exactly the most groundbreaking stuff out there. Like, "start a gratitude diary" or "meditate regularly for five minutes." Yeah, okay, I might not be the most grateful person on Earth, and my meditation skills are at best "monkey lunging," but still …

But hey, who am I to rain on your parade? If it works for you, champ!

Authenticity: The Key to a Happy Holiday

Now, I know what you might be thinking: Eh, so what? Authenticity isn't exactly my cup of tea, and I'd rather get my holiday cheer from a bottle than from being myself.

Well, my dear reader, I've got some news for you! A study conducted during the holiday season of 2024 showed that individuals who embraced their authentic selves during Christmas experienced lower stress than those who pretended to be someone they're not[1].

That's right, folks: Being yourself can be the secret to a less stressful holiday season! And the International Psychological Association saw the potential and proposed integrating authenticity practices into mental health programs worldwide[1].

And that's a wrap!

So, now that you've got the lowdown on authenticity, what are you waiting for? Go forth and be your most genuine self! And who knows? You might just find yourself singing "Jingle Bells" with a twinkle in your eye instead of involuntarily humming "Baby Shark."

Enlightening Insights

Ever wondered how authenticity affects different personality types during the holiday season? Here's a bit of insight to help you out:

1. ENFPs and Authenticity: ENFPs crave genuine interactions and are less likely to feel disillusioned by the commercial aspects of the holiday season when interactions are authentic[1].
2. INFJs and Emotional Regulation: Authentic interactions help INFJs, who are emotionally sensitive, to manage their emotions more effectively during the holidays[1].

Sources

1. "ntv.de"
2. "Unknown"
3. "Unknown"
4. "Unknown"

Note: These sources have not been independently verified and are provided for informational purposes only.