"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are"

Living authentically as your true self is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. This idea is all about embracing who you are at your core and not what society, family, or anyone else expects you to be. It's realizing that you have a unique identity and purpose, and the journey of discovering and being that person is invaluable.

This concept has roots stretching back through history and psychology. Carl Jung, a famous Swiss psychiatrist, often emphasized the importance of individuation—becoming your true self. He believed that many of our frustrations and anxieties come from not aligning our external lives with our internal truths. So, in a way, this quote is urging us to align our inner desires and external actions.

Let's bring this idea to life with a real-world example. Imagine Jane, a successful lawyer working long hours in a prestigious law firm in New York City. On the surface, she has everything—a high-paying job, a fancy apartment, and the respect of her peers. But deep down, she's always been passionate about painting. She remembers how painting made her feel alive and fulfilled during her college years. However, due to societal and family pressures, she chose law—a more "respectable" and financially stable career. One day, Jane decides to take a leap. She reduces her hours at the firm and spends more time painting. Eventually, she holds her own art exhibit. The happiness and fulfillment she feels when painting and sharing her art are something she never experienced in the courtroom.

Jane's story is a vivid illustration of the privilege of becoming who you truly are. It’s about taking risks to pursue what genuinely makes you happy, even if it’s daunting.

So, how can you start applying this wisdom in your own life? First, reflect on what you truly love doing. Think back to activities or hobbies that made you feel alive. It might be something creative like writing or painting, or perhaps helping others, traveling, or even something as simple as gardening. Next, evaluate your current life. Are these passions a part of it? If not, how can you start incorporating them? The idea isn’t necessarily to quit your job and chase dreams recklessly, but to make space in your life for what genuinely matters to you.

Consider setting aside a little time each week for your passion. It could be as small as an hour to start with—just something to get the wheels turning. Over time, as you get more comfortable, you might find ways to integrate it more fully into your life, just like Jane did with her painting.

Picture this scenario: You're at a coffee shop with your friend, and you both start talking about your dreams. Your friend mentions they've always wanted to open a bakery. They've got a stable job in finance, but every Sunday, they bake for family and friends and those Sundays are what they live for. You encourage them to start small—maybe sell their baked goods at a local farmers' market or online. A year later, they've built a steady side business and are happier than ever. They didn't drop everything in one go, but they took small steps toward becoming who they truly are.

Remember, becoming your true self is a journey, not a destination. It's about aligning your life with your passions and values, even if it means taking small steps at first. The privilege is in the journey itself—the growth, the discovery, and ultimately, the joy of living a life that's truly yours.