Watching the media circus that is the 2016 presidential race, I began to wonder. What are these candidates like in the privacy of their own homes? What do they say to their spouses when the cameras aren’t rolling? Those are the conversations I would like to hear. It’s probably more indicative of who they are then when they are on television debating or participating in a town hall.
The chatter in my head continued. Am I the same person out in public as the Sarah who is at home with Bill? Are you?
The word I was looking for was “authentic”. To me, being authentic is your core personality. What distinguishes you from everyone else, i.e., what makes you, you. That should not change whether you are with strangers, friends and family or at home with your spouse or partner. That being said, I do believe the more comfortable we are in a particular setting, the more of ourselves we are willing to reveal. The less comfortable, less “safe” we feel, the less authentic we are. That’s human nature.
There is another side to this. Some people, I’ll call them “people pleasers”, will portray themselves to be whatever they think you want them to be so that you will like them. I spent years as a people pleaser so I know whereof I speak. I might put politicians in that category, at least during the campaign process, pleasing people to get votes. That doesn’t sound the least bit shocking. The problem becomes whom to trust with your vote? Who will they be in the White House? That same nice guy or gal you voted for because they understood your day-to-day problems? You just knew that what they were telling you was coming from a place of sincerity and truth. You’re sure that they won’t let you down once they are elected.
So, is that how it works? Of course not. Most of them will say whatever it takes to get votes. Even the most sincere will find tremendous road blocks to fulfilling their campaign promises once they are in their elected role, especially if that role is the President of the United States.
Then who do we put our faith in? Who do we vote for? Only outsiders? Non-politicians who have decided to run for office? Can we trust them more? Maybe, but in the long run, I believe their promises are just as shiny and enticing as those of the more seasoned politicians. They too will face challenges in the White House. Challenges that could ultimately prevent them from accomplishing the goals they set out to achieve.
Are we doomed? Is it a lose-lose scenario? No. You study the candidates, listen to them speak in the beginning of their campaign, the middle and the end. Choose the person who most represents your point of view. Someone who, in your mind, has the best chance of uniting the parties, reaching across the aisle and getting things done. Then you place your vote and hope for the best. It’s a bit of a crap shoot.
Now think about your own authenticity. Are you true to yourself regardless of the situation? Are you a people pleaser? If you are, try just being yourself. Let your own unique light shine through. It’s best to be who you are. After all, no one else can. :))