"To Thine Ownself Be True" - Are You the Real Deal?

Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.
Richard Bach

by Skip Cohen

It's Hump Day, and it's perfect for a midweek reflection on what you're working on and the "why" behind it.

I've met and talked with so many artists and business owners who sound like they're apologizing when you ask them what they do for a living. Somewhere in life, they got sidetracked by incoming revenue as the guideline for success and, in turn, happiness. While it's important, especially with the cost of things today, you still need more than that to wake up smiling every morning.

When I was trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up, after leaving WPPI and Rangefinder Magazine in 2009, Sheila's advice was Shakespeare's quote in today's title. And now, after almost 20 years of being together, it still comes up when I'm trying to focus on the next project.

Lou Mitchell, when he shared today's quote, wrote: Staying true to oneself is the core obligation in life, surpassing all external expectations. The approach encourages deep self-reflection and a steadfast commitment to living in alignment with one's true self. Authenticity involves understanding and embracing your own values, passions, and desires, even when they challenge societal norms or others' expectations.

It's just a short post today, but with a powerful message...don't let other people live your life. The only way to do that is to stay true to the face in the mirror. Most important of all is recognizing that when you're focused in the direction your heart tells you to go, creativity abounds!

Happy Hump Day!