Becoming a better person isn’t a goal I achieve once and check off a list — it’s an ongoing journey. Every day, I try to show up and be intentional in ways that reflect my core values: being authentic, truthful, and kind, and most importantly, leading with kindness in all I do.
These pillars didn’t come to me overnight. They’ve evolved from a lot of inner work, personal reflection, and uncomfortable growth. I want to share what they mean to me and how I’m learning to live them, not just talk about them.
Authentic: Showing Up As Myself
For a long time, I tried to be what others expected. I shaped my identity around what felt safe and socially acceptable. But the older I got, the more I realized how exhausting that was. Pretending takes energy that could be used to connect, create, and heal.
Now, I’m learning to show up as myself — flaws, quirks, and all. Authenticity means letting people see the real me, even when it feels risky. It’s not about oversharing or being dramatic; it’s about being grounded in who I am and owning that. When I’m authentic, I feel lighter, freer, and more in tune with the world around me.
Truthful: Living with Integrity
Truthfulness is more than not lying — it’s about living in alignment with what I believe in. That means being honest with myself first. I ask hard questions: Am I being fair? Am I speaking up when I need to? Am I avoiding something just because it’s uncomfortable?
I’ve learned that small lies or half-truths chip away at my integrity. They might smooth things over temporarily, but they leave a residue of guilt and disconnection. Being truthful doesn’t always make me popular, but it helps me sleep better at night. And that matters.
Kind: A Daily Practice
Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or performative. Some of the most meaningful acts of kindness are small: holding a door open, remembering someone’s name, or simply being present when someone needs to talk.
I’ve also had to learn that kindness starts with me. I can’t give what I don’t have. So I practice being gentle with myself, especially when I mess up or fall short. Self-kindness isn’t selfish; it’s foundational.
Leading with Kindness
This is the pillar that ties it all together. Leading with kindness doesn’t mean being passive or avoiding hard truths. It means choosing empathy even when I’m frustrated. It means setting boundaries without cruelty. It means having the courage to be soft in a world that often rewards hardness.
When I lead with kindness, I create space for others to do the same. That ripple effect is part of how I want to move through the world.
The Ongoing Journey
These pillars — authenticity, truthfulness, kindness, and leading with kindness — aren’t things I’ve mastered. They’re intentions I return to daily. Some days, I get it right. Other days, I stumble. But I keep going, because becoming a better person is worth it.
