Authenticity

Oh, this 'authenticity' word is getting to me.  When I say 'getting to me', I don't mean that it's bugging me, I mean I am bugged by the concept:  by the need to be authentic.  And I struggle with it, daily.  I have found authenticity here today and I am at once inspired by the work of fellow creativity coach Fiona Robyn and frustrated at myself for having lacked authenticity of late.   Her latest post totally resonates with me, having also, recently, created space in my life.  I have signed up for Fiona's newsletter and look forward to reading the back entries.

It's odd, for the last couple of years I have struggled with the concept of being at once a writer and a coach, because of the false values I felt people attributed to coaches.  And I still struggle with a desire to be a 'serious' artist, as if, for some crazy reason, the fact that I like to share what I've learnt, somehow makes me less serious.  It doesn't, of course, but I still 'angst' about it; and I couldn't be authentic as a coach if I didn't admit to 'angsting' sometimes.

Only a couple of days back, I fell into the  trap of being the coach I never wanted to be.  But it was simply a matter of projecting a version of myself that wasn't true, and having made that mistake, I won't make it again - and for those of you who have an inkling what I'm talking about, then shall we simply call it a steep learning curve?

Tomorrow, I want to write about my new teleclasses - and what they are really about.  Tomorrow I'll also be involved, in the evening, in an event at Richmond Adult College, so if any of you guys are local to Richmond upon Thames, do come along to the Parkshot Centre on Thursday 6th July for a great Event.  It will be a prize-giving by Broo Doherty, Literary Agent, plus readings from the competition shortlist, plus a panel discussion which I'll be chairing, involving Linda Buckley-Archer, Louise Voss, Stephanie Zia and John Harding, all published authors who studied at the college in the past.  My colleague Sara Bailey will be there too.

On Friday, I'm off to Barcelona...  This picture from a great architectural walk I took when I visited last year.  A friend of mine from University who has a flat there, will be celebrating his 40th birthday.  I can't wait... (and I want a flat in Barcelona too...)  I'm reading 'Shadow of the Wind' to get in the mood...  I'm reminded too that I began the 'Stubborn World' blog shortly after last year's visit to Barcelona; you can read about the last trip and the first ever 'Stubborn World' entry here.  Oh - and you will notice, when you read it - I was angsting about the same thing back then...  Have I progressed?  Well, yes, but let's just say these things take time...