It's Contagious.

I am a big supporter of people being Authentic.

However, Authenticity takes privilege and spoons/energy. It's not simple.

For some it is unsafe to Unmask/be Authentic. Some, like me, don't know they are Masking.

It is dangerous for anyone to tell another they should be Authentic. Uninformed, unsolicited, advice is wrong for this reason.

There is no rule about when someone takes a step towards Authenticity or if they should.

Of course Authenticity is a f#cking goal and dream.

We shouldn't need the word because life should be safe and we should just all be our beautiful selves without needing to not be.

Today I got a message and it made me smile big.

I've got permission to share it anonymised and edited.

It's someone I adore who has felt awkward and different about their own image and how they can be perceived, but was putting themselves out there. They had to meet someone who held a bit of power over their next step.

Start message:

No need to reply, just wanted to tell you that I went to visit (x) and I am having such a laugh.

I thought they would be very different to me.

But they had a totally funky look and they shared with me their own struggles.

I am taking it as a sign that I can totally give it a go as my weirdo self.

I even managed to walk by all the hordes of scary people to get into the building! End of message.

When people are Authentic, it encourages Authenticity. It has the ability to spread.

That's why safe spaces and safe communities are awesome.

This growth and bravery and Authenticity, it's Contagious.

Go be Contagious (if you can).

Spread the love. Someone out there you don't even yet know, may be inspired by you.

Pic description: Me, on a Beach. I'm facing away, my back to the camera. I'm wearing a big blue warm coat, bobble hat, the sand is beige, sea is murky blue, sky is great and white cloudy. This was a few weeks ago.