A close friend and partner used this term years ago: editorial self. And at once I understood, a brief flash of light.
The editors-self is the you that everyone sees as you navigate your day.
It’s the you at home with your partner or rather who you want your partner to belief you are.
It’s the you at work, the you at church, the you with friends, the you at the store or restaurant, it the you …
There are so many “yous.”
So many masks, so many parts you play throughout the day.
You are an actor and the star of your own life.
Even if you show up as a minor actor, this is still the projection of your editorial-self.
And let’s be honest, many of these “yous” are fake and you resent having to play these roles.
If you are honest, you have spend too much time in the editorial-self and not enough time as your authentic-self.
Journal: In the coming week, try to capture all the “yous” there are in each day.
For each editorial-self, each version of you write:
- A short description of each version, each editorial-self.
- Why do you play this parts? Be specific about your fears, uncertainties, and doubts.
- How do you feel having act the part? Be specfiic and write all your feelings down.
- What is the barrier or reason why you are not being you?
- How would you feel if the editorial-self was closer to the real-self, the real-person, the authentic-self?
It is true that you may not always be able to be the authentic you.
Work and many social circumstances dictate acceptable norms, in these cases, become aware and intentful with your editorial-self.
Over a decade ago, I started to live closer to my authentic-self; and just as you might imagine it didn’t always work out as I had hoped; and I wasn’t always accepted and I have been the butt of jokes and discouraging comments.
However, I have lived more on my own terms, closer to my authentic-self; and understanding who and who didn’t accept me has helped me navigate my journey more authentically.