Courage to be our authentic self and price of conformity

The famous yet melancholic Czech-German writer Franz Kafka, who struggled with his own identity throughout his ephemeral life, once said, "He is terribly afraid of dying because he hasn't yet lived.

" This profound statement, born from Kafka's own inner turmoil, resonates deeply with a universal human fear - not of death itself, but of reaching life's end only to realize we never truly lived.

This profound statement serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolds when we fail to embrace our authentic selves. In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with societal expectations, peer pressure, and the curated highlight reels of others' lives. Amidst this chaos, our true selves often get lost or buried, too afraid to emerge. We adopt masks, play roles, and conform to expectations, all while our genuine desires, passions, and potential remain locked away, yearning to be expressed.

While the global pandemic undoubtedly ushered in an era of chaos and uncertainty, many seized upon the forced introspection to uncover aspects of themselves that had long remained dormant and unacknowledged. A curious alchemy seemed to unfold, as individuals from all walks of life experienced unexpected transformations. The housewife of three decades suddenly blossomed into a singing sensation, her voice unleashed from the shackles of routine.