ALOK: How to Be Authentically You in A World Full of Fakes

Do you ever wonder why it is that society hates people who live authentically? In this episode of Habits and Hustle, I chat with ALOK about their observations as to what tends to happen to us when we aren’t living authentically, when we finally start living authentically, and what kind of reactions that may provoke from society. ALOK also shares their personal experience on how they have internalized feelings of hate towards themselves, how it almost drove them to suicide, and how they got over it. ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artists, their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition. What we discuss: 01:53: About Alok 07:29: How was Alok brought up? 11:05: How did Alok start living authentically? 18:20: How can you start living an authentic life? 19:45: Was Alok jealous of other people who came out before him? 23:25: Where do LGBTQ prejudices come from? 40:19: What was Alok’s experience with suicide? 46:55: What does Alok journal about? 54:28: How would Alok call himself? 01:10:25: Where can you learn more about Alok? Key Takeaways: Most of us feel depressed, anxious, and sad because we are not living authentically. We are living lives that others, whether it be our parents or society, tell us we “should” live. We tend to sacrifice what our truth is and as a result, live a life that is out of alignment with what we truly want and are passionate about. The biggest motivator behind the hate many people who go against the grain is jealousy and envy. When someone sees someone else rejecting what society has forced on them, they express it as anger and hate, but it stems from the feeling of being upset with themselves that they don’t have the same courage as that person to live the life they want. To learn more about ALOK: Website: https://www.alokvmenon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alokvmenon/... My links: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen