I Don't "Feel As If" or "Feel As Though" Anything

It's getting harder to find people who are genuine and true to themselves these days. Integrity and authenticity are virtues once held dear by most people, and such hallmarks are being cast into the abyss as conspicuous consumption and instant gratification continue to take precedence in our lives — the consequences that come with Gordon Gekko-style capitalism and in a time where the truth and facts are increasingly distorted by malicious megalomaniacs. 

The first clue that I can tell that someone I talk to isn't trustworthy is when they say "I feel as if" or "I feel as though", and the more this occurs, the more my BS meter goes off. It's a glaringly obvious indication that they can't make their mind up and or they don't know much or anything about the subject at hand. Be honest with yourself — do you think this way or that way? Don't convolute things or make mountains out of molehills. Believing in something does not equate to actually being something, nor does it lend itself to making concrete convictions and opinions about what you stand for. 

After all, esse quam videri. A Latin phrase often attributed to Cicero's essay "On Friendship" and Aeschylus, it means "to be, rather than to seem." For a modern-day translation, this can be paraphrased as "are you for real?" Being real is not something you can appear to be, and if you're going to say something, you'd better back it up. Hold a firm stance on your beliefs and positions, lest it all be just smoke and mirrors. Whatever it is that I set out to do, it is with purpose and the best of intentions within my mind, heart and soul. Don't just be a yay-sayer or a nay-sayer — being the change you want to see in this world requires steadfast determination and an actual plan in place to achieve the goals you seek. If you can't be honest with yourself, you won't build trust or confidence in those around you. So, why "feel as if" about anything when your dreams are on the line and this is your golden opportunity to make something happen? The early bird gets the worm, and does not get there by being wishy-washy about its appetite.

There are many pretenders in contemporary society, who would like to "feel as if" that their arguments and ideals hold weight. But when you are something and you actually mean it as opposed to just giving off an appearance or an illusion, there is no reason to be like those who can't be honest with themselves and rely on imaginary façades to compensate for their lack of integrity. Just be who you are, and let your actions speak for themselves.