We live in a world of illusion and delusion and so to be genuine is attractive in any setting [see photo]. However... Becoming a genuine person is difficult because the first person you must stop fooling is yourself. We all cheat when telling ourselves the truth about who we are, what we value, what we cherish, and what it takes for us to truly radiate joy.
For great periods in my life I usually bumped into the genuine me at work. At work I was able to define a purpose for my life. At work I was able to pick my friends without the pressures of the familial, etc. At work I lost myself in thoughts, actions, and beliefs. At work I found self respect and that led me to gained respect from others.
But... The real breakthrough came seven years ago when I left all my goods and chattels behind in my birth nation and moved to Prague. I shut the door on my past life and opened a new door. Behind that new door I discovered my unique version of minimal-you and once I did so I began to relax and to become more and more like the person I was when I was five years old. When I was five I was a genuine child. A kid with dreams. A kid with the joy derived from simple pleasures. A kid who was honest with himself. A kid......
In many respects, I now live the simple life of a kid again. I enjoy simple pleasures. I enjoy my time alone. As a child I had imaginary friends who played with me and kept me sane. Today I find great companionship with the fictional characters on the pages of my books.
Have I become a genuine person? No.... But I am working on it and everyday brings me joy.
Richard.
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