reputation

Hey friend, 

As kids, were taught the value of reputation. 

Of how important it is, to be seen in a certain way. 

To be careful about the things that we do, because of the way they will be seen & remembered others. 

We were encouraged to not do anything that could potentially harm the way in which we are seen by the world. 

And so as we move through life, we continue to consider this supposed reputation…

About how our actions will be perceived. 

About how to be a good person that would please others, and make others smile upon the way that we live. 

About how to do things that will be received by others kindly

About how to do things that will be considered acceptable

This ultimately this leads to an inauthentic life. 

A life lived in the service of others, and absence to ourselves. 

A life lived in an attempt to get from others, what you can only give yourself. 

Your only reputation, is the reputation you have with yourself. 

Your greatest commitment, is your commitment to yourself. 

Dostoevsky said,“Your worst sin, if that you betrayed yourself for nothing”

This is indeed the case, to trade even one piece of yourself, in service of this societal expectation to maintain some idea of a reputation that would be deemed acceptable by others, instead of, with yourself. 

-Jay

Jay Topp is a 24 year old writer, marketer, film maker & self-led educator originally from Australia, now based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can see his films here. Instagram here. And his business website here.

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