A Journey to Authenticity in the Silence Between the Sirens

In the solitude of quarantine of the pandemic in 2020, in the middle of the relentless sirens in the heart of New York City, my mind wandered through existential mazes. 

The questions that surfaced were not new, but their intensity was magnified by the isolation and the proximity of life’s fragility.

One evening, as ambulances streaked past my window on 42nd Street, a thought halted me:

The city’s pulse had always mirrored my own—a relentless beat driving towards dreams and ambitions. Yet, in that moment of stillness, I pondered the paths not taken.

The realization dawned that my globe-trotting adventures and career pursuits over the last two decades had inadvertently distanced me from cherished moments with my parents back at home. Our interactions were confined to hurried visits, like layovers in life. The longing to reconnect with my roots in Turkey grew stronger, a call to return to the warmth of shared memories and the embrace of loved ones.

Simultaneously, I have also realized that I have a wellspring of creativity yearning to be released. I had many creative ideas, contemplations and conversations in me laying dormant, waiting for their time to be expressed. 

This awakening led to many changes in my life over the last few years. I was able to spend more quality time in Turkey with my loved ones and expand into a more creative lifestyle in which my voice found its cadence in writing and speaking, and each word and gesture reflected my inner self.

As I look back on the choices that reshaped my existence post that pivotal moment, I see a tapestry of decisions, each thread intertwined with consequences. Yet, there is no regret, only the peace that comes with alignment—a harmony between my actions and the essence of who I am, who I am evolving into, and who I aspire to be.

I recently finished reading The Wisdom of Stephen Joseph’s “Authenticity: How to Be Yourself and Why It Matters,” which resonated deeply with my own personal journey. The book's opening section reminded me of the importance of our limited time and how most of us are wasting it by not living true to ourselves. 

Apparently, Australian palliative nurse Bronnie Ware’s reflections on the dying echoed a similar sentiment—the most common regret of those dying was not having had the courage to live a life true to oneself.

I am not going to say that knowing self, owning self, and being self is an easy process. It is a continuous process of unlearning, purification, rebirth, being fully alive in each moment, co-creating with life, and honoring the self in its purest form. This can take a lifetime to actualize fully. Yet even the dedication to being the author of our own lives is very rewarding and makes the journey joyful!

Steve Jobs, in his address to the young minds at Stanford, encapsulated beautifully: 

Contemplation questions:

1. Reflect on a moment in your life when you felt truly authentic. What were the circumstances, and how did it make you feel?

2. Consider one aspect of your life where you feel you're not living authentically. What steps can you take to align that aspect with your true self?

3. Think about the people in your life whom you admire for their authenticity. What qualities do they possess that make them authentic, and how can you incorporate those qualities into your own life?

4. Imagine your ideal authentic life. What does it look like? What changes can you make today to move closer to that vision?

5. Consider the activities or environments in which you feel most like your true self. How can you incorporate more of these elements into your daily routine?

May you walk the path of authenticity, where the echoes of your heart resonate with truth. 

May authenticity be your North Star, illuminating the darkest nights and guiding you home. For in living true to yourself, you become a beacon for others to find their way!

From my heart to yours, with Love

Doruk