"Todos nosotros, en mayor o menor medida, vivimos vidas de falsos yoes"

We all walk around wearing masks. That's essentially what this quote is getting at. We put on different faces for different situations, hiding parts of ourselves that we think others might not accept or understand. It's the idea that, deep down, there's a true version of you, but for various reasons — societal expectations, fear of judgment, or even habit — you don't always show it.

Think about it: when you're at work, you probably act a bit differently than you do with your closest friends. Maybe you use more formal language, dress a certain way, or hold back some of your opinions. Historically, this idea isn't new. Socrates, for example, talked about how society pressures individuals to conform, leading them to live lives that aren't truly their own. More recently, psychologists like Carl Jung have explored the concept of the "persona" — the social mask we wear in public.

Imagine a woman named Sarah. By day, she's a marketing executive, always polished and professional. She's great at her job but often feels like she's playing a role. She laughs at jokes that don't amuse her, nods along with ideas she privately disagrees with, and hides her love for painting because it doesn't fit the corporate image. But on weekends, Sarah transforms. She puts on old jeans and a t-shirt and spends hours in her garage-turned-studio, lost in her art. Here, she's her true self, not worrying about deadlines or office politics.

So, what can we learn from Sarah? The first step is self-awareness. Recognize when you're putting on a mask and why. Is it necessary? Sometimes, it might be — we all need to adapt to different contexts. But don't lose sight of who you really are. Make time for the things that ignite your passion and bring you genuine joy. Share your true thoughts and feelings with those you trust.

Here's a piece of advice: start small. You don't have to make a dramatic change overnight. Maybe it's as simple as sharing a hobby with a colleague or being more open about your opinions in a meeting. These little moments can add up, making you feel more authentic and less like you're living a double life.

Picture this: you're at a family gathering. Everyone's chatting about their jobs, the weather, the usual small talk. But you've just read an amazing novel, and it's all you can think about. Normally, you'd keep quiet, thinking no one would be interested. But you decide to share your excitement. "Hey, I just finished this book, and it blew my mind!" To your surprise, your cousin lights up — she's been looking for a good read. Now, you're both deep in a conversation that's way more engaging than talking about the weather.

In the end, it's about finding the balance between fitting in and standing out. We all have those moments when we need to blend in, but don't let that overshadow your true self. Be curious, be brave, and let your authentic self shine through. Life's too short to live behind a mask all the time, don't you think?