The Authentic Self, Part 2: Tiny Tweaks That Change Everything

Selves Unedited

In this follow-up episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn return to the topic of authenticity—this time focusing on practical ways to navigate the space between external pressure and internal truth.

They explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) forces that shape our image decisions—everything from fashion trends and social comparison to fears about how we’re perceived. Whether you're a teenager figuring out your style or an adult navigating aging, image, or identity, this conversation offers tools to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you actually want.

What You'll Learn:

🔹 How to tell if a decision is driven by fear or grounded in self-confidence

🔹 The role of language—“I have to” vs. “I want to”—in revealing our motivation

🔹 How social and cultural messages influence our sense of authenticity

🔹 Why image decisions can feel high-stakes

🔹 What true authenticity feels like—and how to move toward it

Notable Insights:

💬 If you notice that it’s fear-based, it might be a clue that it’s not aligned with authenticity.

💬 We’re all influenced—no one is completely untouched. The goal isn’t to escape influence, but to recognize it.

💬 Grace matters. For ourselves, our kids, our families—we’re all doing our best to figure this out.

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