Authenticity.

It's more than a trendy buzz word. I think we long for authenticity. Beyond the filtered selfies and the picture-perfect lives we seem to lead is a longing for what is real and true. Authenticity requires us to be vulnerable and transparent in ways that often make us uncomfortable.

I struggle through life and I'm guessing you do too. Connecting at pain points bonds us to each other. Knowing that we aren't alone in our struggles builds camaraderie and yes, even community. So why do we try so hard to resist it? What's so wrong with letting others know we feel confused or torn or angry or hurt? Why do we think we have to have all the answers? If being vulnerable increases our connectivity with others, why do we run from those things that expose our vulnerabilities and shine the light on our humanness?

I don't have things all figured out and I'm guessing you realize you don't either. I read, study, lament, pray, discuss, ask questions and connect with others. These activities are all part of my human experience. I have learned much but I have much left to learn. You? I'm drawn to those who are discovering too. I'm drawn to people who truly are transparent with their questions -- those who are the unfiltered and unmasked. I appreciate people who don't pretend everything is perfect as if their lives mirror a Hallmark movie. It's rare to see people keeping it real and authentic, but it's refreshing when I do.

So how about this...let's strive this week in our interactions with others and in our postings on social media platforms to be real and human and hold ourselves to the standard of authenticity. If you see me failing to live up to the authenticity standard I invite you to call me out. Help me keep it real.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP