Monday, September 8, 2025 Shared Authenticity Is the Key for Deep Meaningful Connections Begin with being real with yourself as you are, not what you would like to be National By Quentin Steen, Representative In the Netflix series Rebel Moon, a small army arrives on Vandor, a planet of redemption, to warn its people about an impending invasion. They have just five days before the enemy strikes. The army offers the people of Vandor a deal: they’ll help harvest enough resources to meet the invaders’ demands if the Vandorians agree to fight alongside them. The terms are clear—three days to gather supplies and two days to train for battle. At the end of the third day, after a long and grueling effort, a banquet is held to honour their shared commitment. One of the leaders presents the warriors with gifts—each one carefully chosen based on her understanding of who they are. She explains that each item represents her personal insight into their lives, showing the power of empathy and the deep connection she feels with them. This moment is a reflection of the bond that has formed among these fighters, highlighting the importance of understanding each other as they prepare for the battle ahead. On the second night of their fight training, Titus, one of the warriors, breaks the silence. He says that if they are to risk their lives tomorrow, they must truly know who each other are and why they’re willing to fight. He starts by sharing his own story, and his vulnerability sparks a chain reaction. One by one, the warriors open up, revealing the personal reasons that drive them to join this desperate cause. Together, their stories build a deeper sense of unity, preparing them for the battle that lies ahead. Shared authenticity is the key for deep meaningful connections. For most this is a very uncomfortable proposition to consider, and sometimes untenable, depending on who the other is. The truth is that for me, it’s easier to trust others with who I really am when I’m given a window into the other’s brokenness. By extension then, we must be willing to be as we are and not what we want others to think or what we want to protect about ourselves just in case it blows up in our face. If you need a starting point, begin with being real with yourself as you are, not what you would like to be. The preferred future you want or the preferred version of yourself you want to become begins and ends with you. Quentin Steen is a certified mental health first aid instructor for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Get your BRAIN right and your MIND will follow! 3 Mental Health Resources to Help You If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, CLAC has a number of resources and interactive tools available to help you at My Health and Wellness. Stronger Minds features videos and quick reads from mental health experts, activities to help you gain resilience, and ask-an-expert videos in response to questions. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides accessible, reliable, and professionally produced resources on an array of health topics including (but not limited to): addictions, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, etc. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026