Finding Balance: Honoring My True Self While Navigating Expectations
Balancing personal authenticity with external expectations can be tough. In this post, I reflect on how I navigate staying true to myself while managing the pressures and expectations that come with life and work.
Life’s journey is full of important questions, and one that often comes up for me is: Am I really being true to myself, or am I just trying to make others happy? This question is simple but deep and affects many decisions I make and paths I take. It resonates with me in various aspects of my life, from my career choices to personal relationships. It’s a question that nudges me to reflect on my values, desires, and aspirations, urging me to find a balance between honoring my authentic self and considering the impact of my actions on those around me. This introspection has become a cornerstone of my decision-making process, shaping the way I navigate through the complexities of life, relationships, and personal growth.
Growing up in a traditional Indian family, I was taught early to always think about making others happy. The question “What will people think?” influenced almost everything, from small daily choices to big life decisions. This often pushed aside my own dreams and desires. In this environment, I learned the value of self-sacrifice and putting others first, but it also meant that I struggled to prioritize my own happiness and fulfillment.
As I navigated through adulthood, I started realizing the importance of finding a balance between meeting the expectations of my family and community, and staying true to my own aspirations and well-being. It has been a journey of self-discovery and learning to value my own desires and dreams while still respecting the traditions and values that are important to me.
When I was young, I loved learning about space and the stars. I spent many hours with friends gathering pictures and articles about aliens and space exploration. These were the things that truly excited me. However, as I got older, I had to put these interests aside to meet the expectations of those around me.
I also had a deep fascination with how the human body works, and I dreamed of being a doctor, specifically a neurologist. But the people around me thought this was too ambitious and unrealistic given our family’s situation. Conversations at home were filled with advice from relatives and family friends about choosing a “practical” and “secure” career. Gradually, my dream of becoming a doctor was pushed aside for more traditional career paths.
Early in my career, I remember nights spent buried under piles of paperwork, feeling the heavy weight of meeting everyone else’s expectations but my own. It was during one of these late nights, surrounded by plans and files that reflected everyone’s vision but mine, that I realized something needed to change.
This pattern of trying to please others first showed up clearly when I had to choose my major in college. Even though I was really interested in computers and IT, I ended up choosing Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE). I felt out of place right from the start. The subjects that my classmates found exciting were completely uninteresting to me. I had no passion for them, and each class was a reminder that I was not on the right path.
Feeling out of place was tough; it made me feel disappointed and frustrated. I had made a significant life choice based on what others wanted, not what I wanted. This difficult experience, however, taught me a very important lesson about following my own path and staying true to what I’m passionate about. This lesson has guided many of the choices I’ve made since then.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to balance making others happy with being true to myself. It’s not about ignoring what others need, but making sure that my choices truly reflect who I am inside. Now, I try harder to listen to my own voice. Every decision I make is an opportunity to ensure that my life reflects my true self.
In this ongoing journey of self-discovery, I’ve realized that being true to oneself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for a fulfilled life. Each day offers a new chance to align more closely with my true self, making choices that enrich both my personal and professional life. The most important conversation is the one I have with myself each night before bed, looking in the mirror, knowing I’ve lived another day true to myself. That’s the promise I renew every night, to that reflection staring back at me.