Expressing ourselves in the world
We must discover who we are and who we wish we were.
In a world that’s becoming more synthetic by the day, the rarest thing we can offer is ourselves.
Not the curated version. Not the overly polished facade. But the complex, contradictory, human reality of who we are and who we’re becoming.
The challenge is, few of us truly know how to do that.
For decades, many have thrived in careers built on trust, reputation, and results.
The work spoke for itself. Clients came through referrals, and there was no need for self-promotion, let alone storytelling.
But today, the world has changed. Now, people want to know the person behind the work. The WHO behind the results. The journey behind the outcomes.
That’s the gift (and the dilemma) of expressing ourselves online. It pushes us to ask: Who am I really? And more importantly, who am I becoming?
If the question feels uncomfortable, that’s because it is. It’s easier to borrow templates, mimic trends, and play the role we think others want to see. But that’s not what leaves a lasting impression.
People want to connect with someone who feels real, someone they trust—not because they fit the mold, but because they broke it to build their own.
What many of us don’t realize is that this requires self-awareness and deliberate intention.
Sharing ourselves "authentically" online isn’t about revealing everything or over-exposing our lives. It’s about offering glimpses into the truth of who we are, the values we hold, and the things that matter most to us.
In a way, every post, every story, every word becomes a breadcrumb—a small piece of a bigger mosaic that lets people understand who we are without having to meet us in person. It’s an invitation to know us, not just the work we do.
And here’s the thing: when we approach it this way, the digital world isn’t so artificial after all. It becomes a mirror for our own growth, a canvas for our creativity, and a way to build meaningful relationships in ways our grandparents could never have imagined.
But it starts with this: Who are you when no one is looking? What would you share if you weren’t afraid to be seen as you truly are? And who might you become if you let yourself be known?
Because if we don’t discover who we are, we’ll spend our lives living as someone we were never meant to be.
And that’s not a life I want to live. What about you?
Take care,
Cam
Authenticity is the rarest gift we can offer. For more on sharing yourself truthfully and building meaningful connections:
Be at Ease: Why true presence is found in shared, imperfect humanity.
Kensho: A Mirror to the Self: Clarity and self-awareness as a foundation for growth.
The Last Time I Spoke on Stage: A reflection on moving from performance to authenticity.
