Exploring the unexpected connections that shape our lives
Book Reviews, Comments & Stories, Quotes, & Poetry & More
"Connections and Why They Matter"
Most of what happens in our life will spark a connection. Life connects with what has been found in books. Books connect with what happens in life. Use the connections to help you see more clearly. A love of reading and writing is what motivated the creation of this blog. Thank you for coming to the blog.
Are Your Attitudes a Mirror of Your Authentic Self? By Brent M. Jones — April 13, 2025
Yes, your attitudes can reflect your authentic self. Attitudes—our learned predispositions to respond positively or negatively to people, ideas, and experiences—are often shaped by our values, beliefs, and lived experiences. When these attitudes align with your core self, they serve as expressions of authenticity.
Understanding that attitudes are both reactions to the world around us and reflections of our internal world can be incredibly empowering. They provide insight into your personal worldview, offering a snapshot of your values and emotional orientation. When expressed with awareness, your attitudes become a powerful tool for communicating who you really are.
Authenticity is the practice of being true to your inner self—and that includes acknowledging and expressing your attitudes honestly. But when your attitudes are out of sync with your core values, it can lead to cognitive dissonance—a state of internal discomfort that often signals a need for change. In these moments, you're faced with a choice: shift your attitude or adjust your behavior to restore internal harmony.
For example, if you genuinely value environmental responsibility, you're likely to have a strong, positive attitude toward sustainability and climate action. Likewise, if you find social media unfulfilling or intrusive, your negative attitude toward digital platforms may be an honest expression of your inner truth.
Examining your attitudes—especially those that feel conflicted or extreme—can become a powerful path to personal growth. Doing so helps you become more conscious of how you engage with the world and whether that engagement reflects who you really are.
Yes, social pressures often shape our attitudes. But staying grounded in your core values and beliefs—even when they challenge the norm—is the essence of living authentically. And that authenticity isn’t just about being “right”; it’s about being real.
