"لا تنس أبداً ما أنت عليه لأن العالم بالتأكيد لن يفعل ذلك"

Sometimes, the world has a way of reminding you exactly who you are, often when you least expect it. This quote is a reminder to always stay true to yourself because no matter how hard you try to blend in or change, the world will eventually call you out. It's about embracing your identity and strengths—every quirk, flaw, and unique trait—because those elements are what make you who you are.

Historically, this idea has been echoed in various forms. Think about the civil rights movements. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were constantly reminded by society of their race and the oppressive structures surrounding them. Instead of trying to blend in or shy away from their identity, they embraced it. They used their understanding of who they were to drive powerful, lasting change.

Let’s dive into a practical example. Imagine you’re at work, and there’s a high-pressure project coming up. You know you’re not naturally the most organized person, but you are incredibly creative. Instead of wasting energy trying to become someone you're not (the ultra-organized project manager), you should lean into your creativity. Offer to brainstorm innovative solutions or come up with the big-picture strategy. Let someone who excels at organization handle the details. By embracing your strengths, you contribute more effectively and authentically.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your day-to-day life? Start by doing some introspection. Think about what truly defines you—your values, strengths, and even your weaknesses. Accept them. Own them. When faced with a challenge, remind yourself that your unique qualities are assets. Don't waste time and energy trying to be someone you're not.

Here’s a little story to illustrate this. Picture a young woman named Sarah who has always been passionate about art. Her family, however, values more traditional career paths and keeps nudging her towards law school. Sarah tries to fit into this mold—she attends pre-law classes, studies hard, but feels miserable and out of place. One day, she sees an old friend post about an art exhibit. Sarah decides to visit, and as soon as she steps into the gallery, she feels alive. She realizes she’s been ignoring a core part of herself. Sarah decides to embrace her passion for art. She switches her major to Fine Arts, starts creating and showcasing her work, and eventually, she finds success and fulfillment doing what she loves. The world—her family, her peers—didn't forget she was an artist at heart. The sooner she accepted it, the better.

So, remember, if you’re ever tempted to hide parts of who you are, think about Sarah. Think about how much easier and fulfilling life can be when you live authentically. Embrace your identity—fully and unapologetically—because the world will see it anyway. And why not let it be your strength rather than a source of conflict?