"Siempre me he dicho a mí mismo que viva como mi yo original y no como un personaje inventado."

Living authentically is the main idea here. It’s about embracing your true self without putting on a façade or pretending to be someone you’re not. Everyone feels the pressure to conform or fit into certain molds, whether it’s societal expectations, peer pressure, or even personal insecurities. But the core message is to be genuinely you – the person you were meant to be, not some constructed version.

Let’s rewind a bit to understand why this notion matters historically and personally. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of individuals who felt compelled to alter their personas to fit in. Think about how, in the 1950s, people adhered to strict societal norms about behavior, appearance, and lifestyle. There wasn’t much room for individuality. Even today, the rise of social media has intensified the pressure to present a curated, often unrealistic version of oneself. This quote is a call-back to something more genuine and honest, a reminder that who you truly are is far more valuable than any role you might play to please others.

Imagine you’re at work. You’ve got a colleague, let’s call her Sarah. Sarah’s brilliant, but she’s always trying to mimic her boss’s style. She dresses like her, talks like her, even laughs at the same things. Sarah thinks this will help her climb the corporate ladder. But over time, people see through it. They miss the real Sarah – the one who’s creative, funny, and has unique ideas. When Sarah finally relaxes and starts showing her true self, she thrives. Her originality and authenticity shine through, and guess what? She gets that promotion, not because she was a carbon copy of her boss, but because she brought something fresh and real to the table.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by doing a bit of self-reflection. Ask yourself, "Am I doing this because it’s truly me, or because it’s what I think others expect?" It might feel scary at first because being yourself means being vulnerable. But here’s a little secret: people are drawn to authenticity. It’s refreshing in a world full of pretenses. Embrace your quirks, your unique perspectives, and even your flaws. They make you, you.

Imagine you’re at a party. Everyone’s making small talk, discussing the latest Netflix series, when you overhear someone mention their love for obscure 80s punk bands. You’re passionate about that too, but you hesitate, thinking it’s not “cool.” Now, picture yourself deciding to chime in, your eyes lighting up as you talk about your favorite bands. Suddenly, you’re not just another face in the crowd – you’re someone with a distinct passion that others find intriguing and engaging.

In the end, being the “original you” means living a life without the suffocating weight of pretense. It’s about finding joy in the things that genuinely light you up and connecting with others on a deeper level. So next time you’re tempted to put on a mask, remember Sarah’s story, think about that party scenario, and remind yourself: your true self is far more interesting and lovable than any fictional character you could ever create.