"He aprendido que tienes que ser fiel a ti mismo."

Staying true to yourself—such a simple, yet powerful message. At its core, this idea is all about authenticity. It means not bending to the pressures and expectations of others, but instead, living in alignment with your own values, beliefs, and desires. It’s about being honest with yourself about who you are and what you stand for, and making choices that reflect that inner truth.

Imagine you're back in high school, and the pressure to fit in is enormous. Everyone is trying to wear the latest fashion, listen to the trendiest music, and say the right things to be accepted. But there’s that one kid who always wears the same thrift shop sweater, is crazy about vintage rock music, and doesn’t care much for the popular crowd. That’s the essence of staying true to yourself. It’s not about being different for the sake of it, but rather about not compromising who you are to conform to what others expect or think is cool.

Take J.K. Rowling as an example. Before becoming the famous author of the Harry Potter series, she faced numerous rejections and was often advised to get a "real job." But she stayed true to her passion for writing, despite the odds. She wrote in cafes, on napkins, and during every free moment she had. Her unwavering commitment to her true self and her dreams eventually led her to worldwide success. She didn’t let rejection or societal expectations deter her. Instead, she leaned into her passion, and it paid off in ways she probably couldn’t have imagined at the time.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by getting clear on your values and what matters most to you. What are the things that make you feel alive and authentic? Maybe it’s a hobby, a career path, or a way of living. Whatever it is, hold onto it. When making decisions, ask yourself if they align with your true self or if you’re just trying to please others. And don't be afraid to say no to things that don’t resonate with your core values.

Let’s put this into a more relatable scenario. Think about your job. Imagine you’re working at a company where the culture just doesn’t sit right with you. Maybe it’s too aggressive, and you value collaboration and kindness. Every day you feel more and more drained, and you start doubting yourself. But deep down, you know this isn’t the right place for you. Staying true to yourself means recognizing that misalignment and making the tough decision to seek out a workplace where you can thrive authentically.

Here’s a personal anecdote to bring it home. A friend of mine was an amazing artist, but her parents always pushed her towards a career in law. She spent years trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t hers. Eventually, she couldn’t ignore the persistent tug of her passion—she left law school and pursued a career in art. It wasn’t easy, and she faced a lot of skepticism, but she’s now happier and more fulfilled than ever. She’s living proof that when you stay true to yourself, even when the path isn’t easy, the rewards are immeasurable.

In essence, authenticity may not guarantee an easy path, but it does promise a life that is true to who you are. And in the end, isn’t that what we're all really searching for? So, next time you’re faced with a decision, big or small, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you staying true to who you are? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right path.