February 18 – Rediscovering Authenticity: Nurturing Humanity in a Digital Age

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” Russell H. Conwell

“Do not think you can be brave with your life and your work and never disappoint anyone. It doesn’t work that way.” Oprah Winfrey

“Everything around you was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” Steve Jobs

Humans are naturally gifted in a few things, such as playing, thinking, socializing, feeling emotions, counting, and self-reflection. We may take these abilities for granted because they come naturally to us. We may also assume that our ability to fit into a community is guaranteed because these skills are common. As a result, we have found other things to do with our time in recent years. Few of our daily activities are designed to help us become more playful, thoughtful, or social. Our social media networks cannot replace the close connections we have formed over the past 200,000 years, and our work schedules do not allow for play. We spend less time playing than ever before. Children are now more likely to watch TV or play video games than to engage in unstructured play. Adults are also more likely to work long hours and have less time for hobbies or leisure activities. We are more isolated than ever before. We communicate with friends and family members through social media, but this is not the same as face-to-face interaction. We also spend less time in community organizations and religious groups.

We are less likely to think deeply about ourselves and the world around us. We are bombarded with information from the media, and we often don't take the time to reflect on what it means. The neglect of these essential skills has had a negative impact on our health and well-being. We are more stressed, anxious, and depressed than ever before. We are also less creative and innovative.

The "good vibes only" culture is harmful to our relationships and society. When we tell ourselves that some emotions are bad, we miss out on the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Vulnerability and shared struggle are essential for building strong relationships. When we deny our negative emotions, we also deny ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow from them. It can lead to isolation. When we feel like we can't authentically express our negative emotions, we may withdraw from others and isolate ourselves. This can make us feel lonely and depressed. It can damage

relationships. When we tell our friends and family that they can't express their negative emotions, we can damage the trust and intimacy in our relationships. This can make it difficult to cope with difficult times. It can promote unhealthy coping mechanisms.

When we feel like we can't express our negative emotions in a healthy way, we may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm. It is important to remember that all emotions are valid. There is no such thing as a "bad" emotion. Every emotion has something to teach us. When we allow ourselves to feel our emotions, we can learn from them and grow as people. We can also build stronger relationships with others by being vulnerable and sharing our struggles.

In the workplace, a similar dynamic can be seen. In her book, Toxic Positivity, Whitney Goodman explains, “Groupthink and the pressure to maintain a façade of positivity makes employees less happy, stifles creativity, and keeps business stuck.” Negative feedback and criticism can be valuable in the workplace, especially in creative industries. When done constructively, they can help to identify and address problems, improve performance, and foster innovation. Toxic positivity, on the other hand, is the belief that positive thinking is always the best approach, even when it is not. This can lead to people avoiding difficult conversations, suppressing negative emotions, and ignoring real problems. Peter Senge, who wrote The Fifth Discipline, says that “creative tension, or the ability to express the gap between your vision and the problem that needs to be solved, helps you to visualize possible solutions.” Goodman describes, “But it’s impossible to discover that solution without first really getting to know the problem.

This usually involves complaining, venting, lamenting, and purposely pointing out the flaws in something.” It may feel uncomfortable to be real and express these negative emotions, but it’s how we solve the world’s biggest problems. Goodman expounds, “If you encourage a culture where productive disagreement isn’t allowed or is discouraged, you’ll never come up with solutions.”

Encouraging a culture where productive disagreement is allowed can lead to breakthroughs and progress. In a world filled with challenges, it's vital to prioritize authenticity, emotional honesty, and open dialogue as we navigate life's complexities and work together to create a better future.

Mindful Self-Reflection: Dedicate a set time each day to practice self-reflection. Use this time to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences without judgment. Journal your reflections and consider sharing them with a trusted friend or family member.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience, guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

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