On a recent evening, in search of something worthy of my distraction, I happened upon a Netflix Series and succumbed to a #flixbinge. I never cease to be amazed at how you can drop a few pertinent hashtags, like XL pushpins on the bulletin board of life, instantly connecting you to others with that same ‘bulletin board’. There, on Netflix, I randomly came across what amounted to, an insightful experiment-competition in online transparency and relationship authenticity. All amidst the backdrop of a live social media interaction. The Circle. It was brilliant, edgy, riveting, and instigated a personal epiphany.

Post-binge, I found myself ruminating on my own utilization of social media. It was time for a personal self-assessment and analysis of my engagement goals on all platforms. Was I cultivating authentic relationships, or maintaining comfortable distance, and filtered anonymity?

The Scientific, Counselor in me, is continually analyzing. Ever studying patterns of behavior, what motivates individuals, and drives them to ultimately make the choices that they make. The analyst in me, also forecasts. How will these choices, the behavior, cumulatively affect them, those they care about, and those that they connect with in the outside world? But, most importantly, what can I personally do to ensure that I am cultivating authentic relationships that will empower myself and others?

Authenticity. There is so much power and growth to be found in authenticity! Only in revealing our truest, most transparent self, can we establish deeper connections with others in our lives, and reach our unlimited potential! Authenticity leads to greater connectivity! We ALL.crave it. To be truly productive, operating at our most powerful, best selves, it is the ONE thing that will be required of us. Stretching for connectivity.

Social media can be fertile soil for developing your authenticity. Be brave in who you are!! Your gifts, talents, unique struggles, even the way you appear in the mirror…share THAT with the world! You will be amazed to find there are others who will not only appear as extensions of your support tribe, but empathetic ears-eyes that can encourage your growth. Step out of the comfort zone. There is no growth to be found in stagnant soil. Be brave and grateful for the unique YOU that you are! Then, share that with the world! I’m going to continue to do my part!

#theCircle #authenticity #connectivity #beBrave #engage #fullercircle