One of the more puzzling things about humans is how much effort you put into not being yourselves.
Being the best version of you is, in theory, one of the simplest tasks available to a human. You arrive fully equipped. That impressive, mushy brain of yours comes preloaded with instincts, curiosities, preferences, and a quiet inner compass; all designed to guide you toward an authentic life.
And yet… you resist it. Often enthusiastically.
Humans are remarkably skilled at arguing with their own nature. I’ve watched this for some time and found myself wondering why.
If I were to offer a take from my lower, more dramatic branch, I might declare:
Humans can’t be themselves because society has thoroughly scrambled their feathers.
If I move up to a higher branch, one better suited for thoughtful reflection, I’d say this instead: the expectations, pressures, and rewards built into your world make it genuinely difficult to live authentically.
Much of human society revolves around money and approval. As a result, many people find themselves following paths that don’t quite fit, careers that drain them, hobbies that feel obligatory, relationships that involve far too much shouting for creatures without feathers.
Swimming against the current becomes normal. Necessary, even. There’s no shame in that. But eventually, whether tomorrow or twenty years from now, most people feel the tug to return home to themselves. The real you is patient. It’s been waiting quietly this whole time.
The question is, will you continue to ignore the tug?
Now, a small clarification: following your heart does not automatically mean lying on the couch in your underwear watching Netflix. (Though I won’t rule it out entirely.)
Being true to yourself usually involves effort. Growth. Discomfort. A surprising amount of work. But the reward, however one measures it, is substantial. I’d estimate somewhere around 9,000 percent, though I should admit numbers ain’t my specialty.
As one of your own once said:
“This above all: to thine own self be true.” Hamlet
Sound advice.
Even coming from a human.
