Who do you really want to be?

Who do you really want to be? — Unknown DA

They say in New York, you can be whoever you want to be. But often, wherever we are in the world, we aren’t our true selves, especially in a world that pressures us to conform to societal norms & expectations. The fear of judgment, rejection, exclusion or not fitting in can make it difficult to express our true thoughts, feelings & desires. Instead, we construct personas to look good or please others, avoiding the pain of being authentic. When we believe it’s unsafe to be genuine, we design a self that we think will be accepted—showcasing intellect, beauty, humour or amassing wealth & power to prove our success. We strive to be better than others, in order to be loved.

Trying to be someone we’re not is exhausting & counterproductive to finding the love & intimacy we desire. Driven by shame, many struggle with the internal conflict between wanting to be accepted & the need to stay true to who we are; we may lose touch with our true worth & beauty. This makes for an internal conflict between wanting acceptance & staying true to ourselves, that can lead to isolation, self-doubt & anxiety.

However, if only we could see, that embracing authenticity is crucial for genuine happiness & fulfilment. It requires courage, self-awareness & the willingness to face discomfort. But, by being true to ourselves, we can build deeper, more meaningful connections with others & live a life that aligns with our values & passions. So, who do you really want to be?

📍 Soho, New York, USA