"Combien de soucis perd-on lorsqu'on décide de ne pas être quelque chose mais d'être quelqu'un."

When you stop trying to be something and just focus on being someone, a lot of your worries seem to disappear. Let's break it down. The quote essentially tells us that aiming for a role or an image can lead to anxiety and stress. But if you focus on being true to who you are, life becomes a lot simpler.

This idea isn't new. Think back to the early 20th century when society had strict expectations for what people should be—especially women. Coco Chanel, the fashion designer, is the person behind this quote. She was all about breaking free from the constraints of societal norms and just being herself. She didn't want to fit into the traditional image of a woman at that time. And look what happened—she became an icon.

Imagine a student who's always trying to be the top of the class, the perfect athlete, and the social butterfly all at once. That's a lot of hats to wear, right? It’s exhausting and stressful. But what if this student decided to just be themselves—actively engaged in what they love, but not consumed by the pressure to fit into a specific mold? They'd probably find more joy in their activities and a lot less stress.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by recognizing the difference between external expectations and your true self. Think about what you enjoy, what you're passionate about, and who you are at your core. It’s about authenticity. If you love painting but feel like you should be studying business because it sounds more 'successful', give yourself permission to follow your passion. Success isn't about meeting someone else's standards; it’s about being true to yourself.

Let me share a story to illustrate this. Picture Sarah, a successful lawyer who realized she wasn’t happy. She was living out her parents' dream, not her own. Every day she felt the weight of expectations, and it was draining. One day, Sarah decided to switch gears. She loved baking—something she had always done as a hobby. So, she quit her high-stress job and opened a small bakery. It wasn’t easy, and some people thought she was crazy, but she was happier. She was being someone, not something.

If you’re thinking about how to make this shift, start small. Maybe you love gardening but you’re stuck in a job you don’t like. Spend more time in your garden. Join a local gardening club. Let that part of you grow (pun intended). You don’t have to overhaul your whole life in one go. Just take steps towards being more you.

In essence, this quote is a reminder to live authentically. Don’t get caught up in trying to be what you think you should be. Be who you are. The freedom and joy that come with that are priceless. So, next time you’re stressed about meeting some external expectation, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I trying to be something or am I being someone? You'll find that being someone—being yourself—is a lot less stressful and a lot more fulfilling.