The True Self

When our English instructor asked us to write a speech on the topic of "Who am I?" I remember precisely how I sat with my chin in my palm, wondering what the response would be. My issue was not that I did not know myself; rather, it was that I had a difficult time deciding which version of "me" to write about next. When it comes to other individuals, I am different. It was not until much later that I came to the realization that the version of "me" that I like the most is the one that emerges when no one is there and when my activities are not being recorded.

Aren't we different when no one is looking but ourselves? at a time when no one is looking at us? As quickly as the blink of an eye, our mannerisms, tone of voice, facial expressions, and clothing—everything that characterizes our personality—change. When we are in the shower, we sing our hearts out, we dance like crazy, and we laugh like hyenas. Only when we are alone ourselves can those wonderful, somewhat peculiar aspects of our personality come out to meet the light.

But maybe there’s something more to this loneliness, something profound, something impossible to put into words.

You know, we all have wicked portions inside us, dark places alive and hidden tunnels that breathe within our body. When no one’s around, we may become selfish or wish evil on our adversaries. We let out all those hidden feelings. We end up disclosing the unrevealable.

But maybe there’s compassion inside us too. When no one’s looking, we still smile at the beggar with affection, we still return the money slipped from a stranger’s pocket and still attempt to be the greatest version of ourselves.

We are the dark secrets we hide and the faults that we commit.

We are the love left unexpressed and the unrecognized compassion.

So, who are you when nobody’s watching? what do you do when no eyes are over you, when you aren’t being scrutinized for every movement, when your actions aren’t documented by anyone?

Are you still yourself, or do you become unrecognizable?

I used to care about other views about me; I used to be eager to hunt for solutions; and I felt obligated to know everything.

But I recognize that it won’t help me; it merely generates extra tension.

Life’s too brief to be worried by things that won’t help me progress.

Ignorance may sometimes be wonderful.

Life’s too brief to be worried by things that won’t help me progress. It’s best to concentrate on things that nourish our well-being.

I’ve come to realize that sometimes, the less we know, the better.

There’s strength in letting go of the urge to have all the answers.

When we quit chasing things that are beyond our control, we free up mental space and energy to concentrate on what matters most: personal development and self-worth.

In a world that’s full with noise and diversions, sometimes the greatest choice we can make is to stand back, accept a little of ignorance, and find calm in the present moment.

Not knowing everything is not about being uneducated or locking ourselves off from new experiences.

It’s about understanding when some things are not worth our time and efforts.

Whether it’s negative feedback from others or continually seeking for solutions that may not even matter in the long run, sometimes it’s best to let it go and concentrate on what’s actually essential.

Sometimes, the world is overpowering and it is OK to shut out the noise.

So instead of being overwhelmed by all the things I can’t control, I’ve learned to accept a little of ignorance.

In doing so, I’ve discovered that life is lighter, richer, and more meaningful.

I’m no longer overwhelmed by external views or the desire to know everything; instead, I’m able to concentrate on what genuinely important to me, and that has made all the difference.