Brené Brown - Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are

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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is August 16th.

Today is National Authenticity Day, a day that invites us to embrace our true selves without pretense or masks. In a world that often pushes us to conform, authenticity is the quiet yet powerful act of being yourself. This day reminds us that there’s no greater gift you can give the world than the unique story only you can tell.

So, in honor of National Authenticity Day, I’ve chosen a quote from Brené Brown, who has spent her life studying courage, vulnerability, and the importance of being genuine. She once said:

"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are."

There’s a story behind this quote, and it’s one you might know all too well. It’s the story of the masks we wear, the expectations we carry, and the quiet voice inside us that often gets drowned out by the noise of the world.

Imagine for a moment that you’re at a crowded party. Everyone’s dressed to impress, engaged in conversations that sound more like performances than exchanges. You’re there, but you’re not really present. Instead, you’re thinking about what you should say, how you should act, or even how you should stand. All these thoughts are like a script you’ve been handed, telling you how to fit in. But the problem with scripts is that they’re not your words—they’re someone else’s idea of who you should be.

Now, think about the person at that party who isn’t following the script. They might be the one in the corner, quietly sipping a drink, or the one telling a story that’s a little too real for the setting. They’re not concerned with fitting in, and maybe that makes them stand out. But here’s the thing: they’re real, and that’s magnetic. You find yourself drawn to them, not because they’re the loudest or the most polished, but because they’re authentic. They’re not pretending.

Brené Brown’s quote reminds you that being authentic is a practice—a choice you make daily. It’s about letting go of the need to please, to perform, to be perfect. It’s about trusting that who you are, in all your messy, beautiful imperfection, is enough. It’s the story of stepping out of the crowd and into your own light, even when that light doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

Authenticity is brave. It’s saying, "This is who I am," even when you’re not sure if anyone else will understand. And the truth is, not everyone will. But those who do—those who see you for who you are—are the ones who matter. They’re the ones who will help you write your story, not with scripts and expectations, but with truth and love.

As you go through today, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: Are you living according to your own story, or someone else’s? Are you being true to yourself, or are you playing a role that doesn’t quite fit? Remember, National Authenticity Day isn’t just about celebrating who you are; it’s about practicing it—every single day.

And before I let you go, I can’t forget to mention that it’s also National Tell a Joke Day. So, in the spirit of authenticity, here’s a joke that’s as genuine as it gets—straight from the Dad Joke Hall of Fame:

Why don’t skeletons fight each other?

Because they don’t have the guts!

I know... pretty bad. Maybe this one will land better...

What did sparticus think when the Lion ate his wife?

He was Gladiator.

Thanks for joining me today on The Daily Quote. I hope you embrace your authenticity today and every day. I’m Andrew McGivern, and I can’t wait to connect with you again tomorrow. Take care!