Being genuine and faking it (5)

What are some examples where you might be "faking it" more than necessary — where there might be room for more of your genuine self?  Tip: If you can't come up with examples for yourself, think about times when you've noticed other people putting in excessive or unnecessary effort to cover up their real selves.

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!"

What's one thing you could do that would help you to feel better about yourself?

Picture perfect

Think of a photograph of yourself that you particularly like, one that shows you in the best possible light. What is the setting for the photo? Is it a posed photo or a candid action shot? Which of your positive qualities are brought forward in this photograph?

This week's theme is the reflected image.

Like looking at myself

Think of the person who most reminds you of yourself (it can be a family member, a personal friend, a celebrity, a fictional character — anyone who is most like you). Do you tend to be critical of that person or character, or supportive? What do you like about him or her? What do you dislike?

This week's theme is the reflected image.

That person in the mirror

How many times a day do you happen to see yourself in a mirror?

What are your usual thoughts when you look in the mirror? Are you proud of what you see? Do you tend to criticize shortcomings in your clothing or appearance? Do you feel uneasy and self-conscious? Do you smile at yourself in the mirror?

This week's theme is the reflected image.

The reflected image

When the cameras come out at an event, are you the one who puts up a hand in front of your face, or turns away? Or are you happy to have your picture taken, and in fact keep images of yourself around your home?

This week's theme is the reflected image.

Er, I wasn't napping just now

If someone catches you wasting time, are you ashamed or defensive? Do you rush to explain how much work you got done earlier, or that you aren't doing what you seem to be doing?

This week's theme is wasting time.

I'm sorry to disappoint you

Have you ever done something that made you look bad in someone's eyes? Were you able to repair your reputation with that person?

This week's theme is how others see you.

That thing you do/have/are

If you have something about you that is a constant source of outside attention for being different, unusual, or somehow contrary to the perceived rules of normality, do you have a stock response for people who mention it? How long have you had this stock response, and what is the genesis of it?

This week's theme is rules.

Change the channel; leave the party!

Who is someone you dislike because they remind you of the worst parts of yourself?

This week's theme is self-esteem.

Tearing you down

What critical thoughts seem to play over and over in your mind? Who is really the source of this criticism — is it your mother's voice, a teacher's, a sibling or a friend? Are these criticisms well-founded, or, when you look at them logically rather than emotionally, are they overly harsh and uncalled for?

This week's theme is self-esteem.

On the other hand...

If you had to name a negative trait of yours, what is the obvious one that you think of first?

This week's theme is self-esteem.

Here's why I'm great

If you had to name a positive trait of yours, what is the first one that comes to mind? What are some other things you like about yourself?

This week's theme is self-esteem.

Self-esteem

For many of us, we come from a tradition that requires us to be humble. "Oh, shucks," we say after being complimented, "it was nothing." But the responses we keep to ourselves are more revealing. Some of us respond to a compliment by thinking, "Yeah, I rock!," some are thinking, "No, seriously, I'm not so great — this is so embarrassing," while still others are wondering what the other person's agenda might be.

Do you like yourself? Do you gracefully accept compliments from others?

This week's theme is self-esteem.