The One About Authenticity: Coming Back To Ourselves and Our Roots

As someone who’s been creating, leading, and curating content for years, I’ve noticed something—the more we chase authenticity, the further it can feel.

When you build a community around values that are personal, the pull to adapt or soften those values to stay relevant can creep in quietly. As the founder of The Plant Five, I’ve felt it.

For over twenty years, I’ve chosen to live a compassionate, plant-based life. Long before it was trendy—before the rise of bio-hackers, all-knowing carnivores, and debates in every corner of the internet. I’ve stayed committed not because it’s easy, but because to live any other way would feel inauthentic.

But even with decades of dedication, I’ll admit—I’m not immune to straying.

Recently, I found myself leaning into the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mentality. Though I continued living plant-based, I started indulging at some of my old haunts—foods that were convenient, "comforting" and misaligned with my goals. I didn’t stop being plant-based, but the easy way out started to shift the way I felt in my body.

The outcome? The snowball effect: weight gain and a sense of emotional disconnect from the core of who I am. And while it’s easy to place blame on outside influence, I recognize that this was my choice.

It’s not about fault—it’s about realizing when it’s time to reset.

Now, I’ve decided to give myself one last indulgent date night with my husband—one more round of those easier, tempting options. But instead of seeing it as backsliding, it’s a ritual of release. (we'll release a blog about this soon) The ritual isn’t about restriction—it’s a symbolic way of acknowledging the shift and choosing to return home to alignment. After that, I’ll be stepping into my next chapter—a 360-day fruitarian body experiment through the end of the year.

This isn’t about punishing myself. It’s about returning home to what feels right.

Curating a Life Worth Living, Not Just Content

For creators, it’s easy to fall into the pattern of curating content that “performs” rather than creating from a place of joy and alignment. But I think this applies to all of us—whether or not we work in a creative field.

How often do we say yes to things that look good on paper but leave us feeling empty? How much of our day is filled by obligations, habits, or distractions that don’t reflect the life we envision for ourselves?

I’ve been asking myself:

• Am I dedicating time to things that genuinely fulfill me, or just filling space?

• Am I prioritizing activities that align with my values, or bending to meet external pressures?

• Am I saying yes to things that feel right, or out of obligation?

The answers are revealing—not just about productivity, but about how much joy and peace I actually experience.

Living in alignment can lower stress, improve mental health, and cultivate emotional stability. A 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) study found that individuals who regularly evaluate and prioritize their values experience higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced anxiety.

It makes sense. When we strip away what doesn’t belong, we create space for what truly nurtures us.

Saying No to Make Room for Yes

Learning to say no—whether to opportunities, obligations, or even relationships—has been one of the most grounding practices in my life.

It’s not just about avoiding burnout. Saying no to what doesn’t align creates space for deeper clarity and fulfillment.

A study published in Psychology Today revealed that individuals who actively set boundaries experience:

• Less burnout and emotional fatigue.

• Improved focus and task performance.

• Greater creativity, with reduced cognitive overload.

This boundary-setting not only enhances productivity but also creates mental clarity that carries into personal relationships and self-care. Imagine the weight that lifts when you step away from something that no longer serves you. How might your mental and emotional health shift if you reclaimed that energy?

Staying Aligned in a World of Trends

As a creator in the wellness space, I’ve watched plant-based living swing in and out of popularity. I’ve seen waves of new health trends rise with certainty, only to fade quietly.

In the midst of it all, I’ve chosen to stay rooted.

A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that those who commit to consistent, long-term health practices experience:

• Reduced inflammation

• Lower risk of heart disease

• Increased emotional resilience

Whether you apply this to food, movement, or creativity, the truth remains—what works for you may not work for others.

And that's okay.

Getting Out of Our Heads (and Into the World)

So much of life happens behind screens, but the most grounding experiences often come from simply being out in the world.

• Nature exposure can reduce cortisol by 20% and improve cardiovascular health.

• Hands-on creative work stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress and enhancing focus.

• Physical movement decreases symptoms of depression by 30%, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

I know the temptation to chase visibility. In the past, I’ve felt the nudge (quite a bit from others) to dance in reels or create skit content that doesn’t feel natural—simply because it “performs.” But that’s not me. Dance was a few careers ago, and while movement is a passion I’ll revisit it through our plant5 method launching later this year. I’m not interested in forcing it into content just for engagement.

Where to Start: Simple Ways to Realign

1. Weekly Values Check-In

• Take 10 minutes to reflect:

  • What have I been saying yes to that doesn’t align?

  • What activities leave me feeling energized vs. drained?

  • Am I dedicating time to things that fulfill me?

    
    

2. 30-Minute Reset (Creativity Boost)

• Engage in non-digital, creative activities each day.

  
  

3. Real-World Engagement Challenge

• Commit to one real-life activity each week.

  
  

4. Unposted Creation

• Create something without the intention to post it.

Journal Prompts to Guide Reflection

• What makes me feel most like myself?

• Where do I feel the strongest disconnect between how I live and what I value?

• How can I create more space for joy in my week?

• What’s one thing I can release to feel more aligned?

Celebrating the Practice of Authenticity

Returning to alignment isn’t always seamless, but each small shift toward authenticity is a celebration in itself. As you take these steps—whether in your work, personal life, or health—may you feel more at ease, more connected, and more empowered to stand firm in your truth.

This is your reminder that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be transformative. Whether you choose to reset with quiet intention or a big, bold change, I’m cheering you on.

Alexa, play "To Be Real" by Cheryl Lynn