Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.

Travis Sanders

I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I strive to be honest to myself, especially when I’m in the public eye. I’m very grateful for exciting moments in my life, and whenever I’m able to share these moments with a group of people or even just myself, I am happy. Read more>>

Alejandra Iorgulescu

Absolutely. What you see is what you get. I’ve never been interested in putting on a persona or polishing myself into something I’m not. I’m probably the opposite of politically correct, which might just be my Gen X showing, but I value honesty over performance. Whether online or offline, I show up the same way—real, unfiltered, and genuinely myself. Read more>>

Nastiya Kai

It’s definitely a big part of me. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not trying to be somebody else. But this year my therapist and I discovered that my identity is terribly fragmented and I sort of realized that my public self intimidates me. Read more>>

Kareem Mitha

Mostly…although my yoga training has taught me how to maintain a Zen outward demeanor even if there are volcanoes inside. Read more>>

Shelby Nolan

For the most part yes. The public version of me is confident. I once had a lovely compliment from a client. They said I have a calm confidence. While the “real me” is the same. What people may not always see is the depth of thought, care, and intention that goes into everything I create Read more>>

Brianne Kilmartin

Yes, absolutely. The public version of me is the real me, because Happy Trails was built on authenticity from day one. What you see online is exactly who I am in real life. I share the wins, the struggles, and everything in between, because I believe people connect most with honesty, not perfection. Read more>>