Stay true to myself

Yesterday I watched a Master class by Nai  Gaiman, who is a prestigious British writer.

He shared his thinking and experience that prompted him to create Caroline. Also he interpreted stories as an important means to tell the truth by lies.

What struck me the most is not how successful he became in the end but his remarks about being honest. He said if a writer tries to hide himself and his emotions in the writing, then the story does not feel real or convincing. A writer should have the courage to be witnessed naked in public to write good stories. That is how important being true is in the world of literature.

This reminds me how important being true is in daily interaction. Staying true saves us so much energy and trouble to be the one we are not. Also staying true means we accept who we are instead of being disappointed with ourselves.

If one likes himself or herself, accepts that he or she is not flawless, then he will not try to wear a mask to present a better self in the world and this would be so much more relaxing.

But does staying true means stopping trying hard to achieve a better self? Not really! Staying true means one understands his or her own strengths and shortcomings, and knows exactly what he should do to become a better person.