We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Natasha Guynes
Lol — yeah, it is. Recovery gave me the greatest gift: freedom. Not just freedom from substances, but freedom from the bondage of self. I don’t have to worry about what I said last night, because I always remember. And if I said something about you, I’ve also said it to you. That’s real freedom — living straight, honest, and unchained. Read more>>
Beverly Johnson
Yes—and no. The public version of me is deeply authentic. She’s the wellness coach, the motivator, the woman who turned her healing into her mission. What you see—my passion for empowering women, my transparency about my growth, my love for mindful movement and rest—is all real. But it’s curated. Read more>>
Bryan Dixon
The public version of me is the same exact person I am in the social media or content creator space. I am 100% my authentic self in both realms. I know people have a persona sometimes and like to play a character or different personality to their audience. I want people to know me genuinely for who I am. Read more>>
