My 13-year-old daughter is my hero.
At a time in her life when conformance equals survival and fitting in is everything (yes, we are talking about the angst of middle school), she has steadfastly, unapologetically and intentionally made choices that are true to her character, her spirit and her style.
In a sea full of long-haired girls, she chopped hers off and donated it to Locks of Love. When the group texts become more mean-spirited than meaningful, she turns her phone off and sits at the piano to play and sing. And although “being cool” is the going currency, she hangs onto her goofy, silly side. She tells me all the time, “I’m just doing me, Mom.”
She is her authentic self.
I admire this about her tremendously, and the truth is that it has inspired me to be more authentic myself. To:
- Make choices that make sense for me and my family.
- Spend my time doing what I want and not what I “should.”
- Care less what others’ perceptions are.
- Say no.
- Remember myself in the equation.
It’s freeing. I highly recommend it.
This way of being also translates to the business world, which has been a resounding theme in my short time working with the goddesses at Front Porch Marketing. I have realized just how important authenticity is for your business, particularly a small business. Can you answer the following:
- Who are you?
- What are you doing that makes you unique?
- What is your brand?
- How are you representing yourself?
- Are you engaging in authentic online engagement?
It is imperative that you can answer these questions with clarity and that your brand is clear in everything you say and do. We on the Porch are passionate about helping you express your authentic self. It’s our mission!
Indeed, we want you to “just do you.”