"La autenticidad es en su esencia el reconocimiento de lo que realmente necesitas"

Authenticity starts with understanding your genuine needs.

Think about the last time you did something just because everyone else was doing it, even though you really didn't want to. Maybe it was going to a party when you were exhausted or joining a hobby group that didn't really interest you. We often ignore our true desires and needs to fit in or meet expectations. But being authentic means acknowledging what's really important to you on a deeper level, not just what looks good on the surface.

Back in the day, around the mid-20th century, the whole idea of "being yourself" started gaining traction. People were rebelling against societal norms and expectations, pushing the idea that you should live your life based on your values and needs rather than what society dictates. It was a time of great cultural shifts, with movements advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and more personal freedoms. This quote might not be from that exact era, but it definitely resonates with the spirit of that time—urging us to look inward and honor our personal truths.

Let's bring this down to a real-life example. Picture Sarah. She's a high-achieving professional who's always been the go-to person at her job. She works late, never says no, and is seen as the epitome of dedication. But deep down, Sarah's passion lies in painting. She spent her childhood with a brush in her hand, losing herself in colors and creativity. Over the years, she buried this passion under layers of responsibility and societal expectations.

One day, Sarah attends an art exhibit, and something clicks. She realizes that she's been living someone else's version of success—a high-powered career, a jam-packed schedule—but it doesn't fulfill her. What she truly needs is to reconnect with her creative side. So, she starts dedicating weekends to painting, slowly reclaiming that part of herself. Eventually, Sarah finds a balance where she can be both a successful professional and a passionate artist. Her happiness and sense of fulfillment skyrocket simply because she's honoring her true needs, being authentic.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by taking a step back and evaluating your daily activities. Ask yourself: is this really what I want, or am I doing it because I think I should? Identify the moments that feel draining versus those that light you up. It might help to keep a journal for a week, jotting down your feelings and reactions to different situations. Look for patterns. You might notice that certain activities consistently bring you joy, while others leave you feeling empty. That’s your inner self giving you clues about your true needs.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and you're talking about your job. You realize you spend more time complaining than sharing anything positive. Your friend, sipping their latte, says, "Have you ever thought about what you really want to do?" This is your moment. Think about the things that make you lose track of time, things that feel effortless, and things that you look forward to. That's your authenticity beacon.

In essence, being authentic isn't this big, elusive thing. It's simply recognizing and honoring what you truly need in your life. It's about peeling away the layers of "should" and "must" to uncover what genuinely matters to you. So next time you're caught in the whirlwind of expectations, take a breath. Listen to that quiet voice inside. It's been there all along, waiting for you to pay attention.