Authentic You Media had a chance to catch up with busy actress Simona Brhlikova to get her thoughts on what it means to be authentic. As a Hollywood actress, staying true to yourself can be exceptionally challenging but Simona has managed to remain authentic in a world where you’re encouraged to be anything but. Simona has starred alongside some of the Hollywood greats like Wesley Snipes in her recent film project, Gallowwalker. To read more about Simona and her incredible accomplishments (has lived with Eskimos in Alaska and even speaks 7 languages!), go to www.imdb.com/name/nm1971501/bio
Authentic You Media: In your own words, what does it mean to be authentic?
Simona: …to be YOU in the truest sense. To not be afraid to unpeel all the layers that we put on for society and let the real essence – our core shine. That’s authentic, unique, REAL!
Authentic You Media: As an actress in Hollywood, how tough has it been and what obstacles have you encountered in your quest to remain authentic throughout your career thus far?
Simona: I’m very blessed and thankful for knowing my ‘true essence’ and who I am before I came to Hollywood. I see a lot of people get caught up and drowned in this town. People will always have an opinion on what you ‘’should’’ look like, what car you ‘’should’’ drive, what size you ‘’should’’ be, when you should/shouldn’t take a holiday etc… It can really confuse you if you don’t know WHO YOU ARE and that YOU ARE ENOUGH as you are! I’ve seen many people succumb to the pressure and end up in a really messed up state of mind…. Or blotched faces by bad plastic surgery…. I believe in working with my ‘true essence’ and taking it to a higher level – to better myself in every possible way…so for the personal growth I seek spiritual retreats (be it books, people, places or encounters) or take up new sports activities something that pushes my mind and body and for the professional, well – you need to know the game to play it. I strive to learn as much as I can about the business and people in it, I listen to what they have to say, assess appropriately, act accordingly – yet remain ME. Another words, it’s my chariot I’m riding so I gotta keep the grip on the reins and guide it to where I want her to go…
Authentic You Media: Is there anyone you particularly admire for living their truth? Why or why not?
Simona: There are few people I could write about here…beginning with my grandmother who was my true example of living the truth to the very pure sense of that word. But in Hollywood terms…I love the endeavors of Angelina Jolie, I think her physical beauty and charisma that’s visible to our eye is a reflection of her inner true path. Men-wise I gotta give it to Mickey Rourke …he’s been on quite a journey….somewhere all along he had to be true to himself, to be brought back full circle! So happy for him. I admire his outspokenness, individuality and humbleness.
Authentic You Media: What advice would you give to younger women who are struggling to speak and live their truth?
Simona: There’s only one YOU on this planet so cherish it and make it THE BEST you that you can be. Don’t make apologies for who you are. Know that who you are – is enough! Get to know yourself from the inside, not by comparing yourself to anyone else. It’s great to have role-models but only you fit into your own skin so make it as comfortable and desirable for yourself first, and then the world will respond accordingly.
Authentic You Media: If you could go back in time, is there any event or situation you would change? Why or why not?
Simona: Oh yeah but I can’t share that one here Eventually, every situation that I found myself in was just another footprint on my path to where I am now – so no regrets. I always like to look back on every shitty event and think “what can I learn from this?” as I truly believe there’s always something good in every bad…I choose to seek the good –ness….
Authentic You Media: If you were given the opportunity to go on live national television for 30 seconds to speak on any topic, what message would you most want to convey to the world?
Simona: That’s a GREAT question! I’d take 10 seconds to convey the message and leave the rest of it for people to ponder on it and hopefully get it. Love. Appreciate Nature! Be acceptant and non-judgmental of that which doesn’t look like you. Cultivate grace!
Authentic You Media: In regards to being authentic, what is the best advice you ever received?
Simona: The same as I already expressed above: “Just be YOURSELF and make it the BEST you that you can be”.
