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.
Bethany Shipley
I would say yes, the public version of me is the real me—but it’s not the whole me. What I share publicly is authentic, but it’s curated through the lens of what I feel is most useful, inspiring, or aligned to put into the world. I don’t believe in having a “persona” that’s separate from who I really am. Read More>>
Max Hockley
Yes and no. It’s the real me but with one main difference: I rarely talk politics on my YouTube channel. In my personal life I have very strong political opinions but I generally leave them out of my content. Read More>>
Emily Aleman
Absolutely. I am 100% myself all of the time. Whether I am being a mom, being a therapist, selling my embroidery, or meeting new people, I am always unapologetically myself. I bring my personality and sarcasm and caring nature into everything that I do. Read More>>
HezronH
What people see is a portrait. It’s a sliver of light that’s part of a wider kaleidoscope. It carries light and color that hint at the interior, but the depth lives beneath the surface. I choose what to show so I can keep creating from a place of truth. Read More>>
Asher Jay
The public version of me is never the whole of me. What others see in me reveals everything about them, and how I receive their perception tells me everything about where I am with myself in that moment. I’ve learned to study myself this way: with objectivity, but also with love. I’m not perfect. Read More>>
Alexia Boukou
My public self is a curated, honest slice of who I am: the founder, the mom, the creative behind Lexi Nails & Beauty. I share the wins, the designs, the photoshoots, and the collaborations, because those are real parts of my life and work. But Yes, it’s totally real. I share my doubts, moments of burnout, and my authentic self with my audience. Read More>>
Timothy Renteria
The public version of me and the online version of me are both the real me. I stand behind a 100% transparent lifestyle, especially due to my work because a good amount of it depends on my reputation and what kind of person a business or person wants to work with. Read More>>
Ayiana Viviana
I would say the public version of me is absolutely real, but it is not the full measure of who I am. What others see reflects my truths, my values, and the energy I bring into the world, but it is only a small portion of the layers, complexities, and inner layers that define me. Read More>>
Dominique Gabriella
I’m as genuine as it gets. What you see is truly who I am, I don’t put on a different face for the public. My journey has taught me that life is too short for masks or façades. Read More>>
Alyssa Bette
This is such a powerful question and one I have been asking myself a lot lately. I am very active on social media through my personal page, my businesses and my podcast, and I always try to show up as my most authentic self. While I believe I do that well, it is still curated. Read More>>
Sarah Rubinson Levy
Now? Yes. I went through a lot of transition a few years ago, and one of the commitments I made to myself coming out of that was authenticity — personally and professionally. Read More>>
Kim Cameron
I think so. I am not sure who else I can be but myself. Read More>>
Nicole Laby
I certainly hope that my public identity is reflective of my internal identity. As a songwriter, I strive to communicate authenticity because without that, how can people really feel connected to my art? As a psychotherapist, I incorporate many aspects of IFS, Internal Family Systems. In this theoretical perspective, there are many parts of ourselves that can exist simultaneously and for different reasons. Read More>>
Allison Landa
Absolutely. Is there any other way? Read More>>
Rich Holly
What I love is that there doesn’t seem to be a normal! Each day is different from the others. I’m primarily involved in music production and performance, so one day might be engineering a recording session and some personal practice time on drum set or percussion, the next day might be mixing a recording and a rehearsal for an upcoming performance. Read More>>
Tony Cobain
The first 90 minutes of my day are typically me giving thanks, meditation, stretching, and clearing my head to prep for the day ahead. Read More>>
ashley Towner
Absolutely. I am a terrible liar and brutally honest. It gets me in trouble sometimes because people don’t like to hear the truth. I am a hard worker and even harder on my self. I have a justified Italian temper that is hard to control when I see people being bully’s and once I lose your trust, you will never get it back. Read More>>
Kerry Lee Bowser
Depends on which perception or version you catch at the time. My work doesn’t fit my visage. If you’re going by what you’ve read, or the age range title. Amongst a variety of races, the real me and the public version vary. In most cases… generally speaking. My personality, thoughts, and rationale, yes! I’m very humble, laid back, and never seek attention. Read More>>
Duncan Therrell
Lost Foxes’ isn’t that different from the real-life ‘Duncan Therrell.’ Honestly, it’s probably the more vulnerable version of me. I put so much of myself into my music, and most of it is stuff I wouldn’t tell someone in person. So, yes, I would say that the public version of me is the real me, just a bit swaggier. Read More>>
Jennifer Lyn
100%! I’m such a nerd and I’m not the best speaker, nor am I the prettiest girl. None of these things matter if you are not presenting the real you. I’m passionate about the things I love and the things that I do. Read More>>
iloveyouMUUU
100% & anybody who really know/around me can vouch for that. See, that’s one of the things I stand on.. being HONEST & TRUE TO SELF! I been lied to by so many people for what I feel was no real reason to lie, so I simply tell the truth. Tf we lying for? Read More>>
KYOKOSGARDEN
That is a very interesting question because who says it’s one or the other… there are days where I feel like I’m on a path and then other days I’m just wondering and some other times it’s just both. I get lost regardless…whatever that means to you. It could differ from my definition of lost. Since the last interview ( Dec 2023 ) I have been feeling like I’m more wandering than I’m on a path because life just throws you curveballs sometimes. Read More>>
