Authenticity, to me, means taking off the costume of perfection I have been wearing my whole life. It is recognizing I have been wearing my strength and resilience as badges of honor…and though these remain true about my character, they aren’t my whole story.

To be authentic, I need to accept that strength sometimes looks like asking for help, and resilience sometimes means taking a break.

To be authentic, I need to communicate honestly – with those I love and with practical strangers at a Heart Mom retreat. Being authentic opens up the possibilities of help and connection.