It’s not a catchy headline but the idea of this post has been on my mind ever since I read Anne Jackson’s topic on How to Be the Best Blogger Ever.  Her post started off with “Just. Be. Yourself” – and it has challenged me.

If I can be honest, I am not being myself.  And it makes me unhappy.

I hold back much of what I want to say and do because I am afraid that if I let the real me be present, then that will tarnish my brand and hurt my business.  Maybe people won’t like it and I’ll lose readers or clients or followers.  Plus, the Internet is not very forgiving and what you write will be around forever.  However there are things I am passionate about and circumstances in my life I believe would help others.  To mention these things would require me to let down my guard and take a risk.  I’m just not sure if I want to open myself up for the potential downfall.  The other side is that I hate keeping my mouth shut or not having guts to do what feels or seems right.

Many men have lacked the backbone to stand up for their beliefs, their dreams, or their passions.  I really don’t desire that..but I am wrestling with what I believe is in the best interest of building business or fans and that which screams for freedom of speech and creativity.

Who will win?  Hopefully the Real Me!