Chapter 1: The Journey of Transformation

To uncover our hidden beauty, we often need to clear away the clutter of our current selves.

Life has a peculiar way of unfolding. Much of our present is spent fixated on the future. We tend to lead aspirational lives, continually contemplating ways to improve ourselves. Yet, at times, our aspirations are clouded by regrets regarding an unchangeable past.

We aspire to transform, but frequently, our current selves obstruct the path to who we could become. This transformation necessitates shedding aspects of our present identity.

Regrettably, our current selves are often a complex blend of all the positive and negative experiences we've accumulated throughout our lives. Before we can truly shine, we may need to let go of certain elements. This process involves unlearning a great deal.

Fortunately, much of what we have learned has come from others who were equally uncertain. The outcome can resemble a chaotic assembly of errors, akin to the blind leading the blind.

We find ourselves like a project assembled through trial and error, lacking clear direction. While we function, we often feel a sense of clumsiness, acutely aware of our potential for improvement.

True beauty can be discovered in subtraction rather than addition.

Consider this scenario: you receive a blank canvas and are tasked with creating something beautiful. Naturally, you'd begin adding elements to enhance its appeal. This approach reflects beauty through addition.

Now, envision receiving a pre-existing picture with the instruction to enhance its beauty. You would likely start by eliminating the unattractive parts. This represents beauty through subtraction. At times, we must remove the old to pave the way for the new.

By eliminating unpleasantness, we inherently create space for beauty.

We, too, may need to unlearn and discard certain aspects to make room for the person we aspire to be. The brilliance within us is always present; we simply need to uncover it.

A Buddhist parable illustrates this perfectly: a stunning piece of jade lies buried in a muddy field. To the untrained eye, it appears unattractive. However, the jade and the mud are distinct. The issue lies in our inability to recognize the jade's true beauty, which becomes evident only after cleaning away the dirt. Regardless of its exterior, the jade remains inherently beautiful.

The challenge lies not in the jade, but in our perception.

To discover our new selves, we must engage in a bit of self-renovation.

Consulting most counseling literature reveals discussions on the importance of releasing old burdens. This often pertains to the emotional baggage we carry from previous experiences, particularly past relationships. Letting go of this baggage involves a process of purging and liberation. Once freed, these burdens no longer have power over us, allowing us to reclaim our authentic selves.

At times, like the jade hidden in the mud or the emotionally burdened individual, we need assistance in recognizing our true beauty—a beauty that may have become obscured. It may simply require a little cleaning and self-renovation to unveil it.

The first video titled "This is How You BECOME The Person You WANT To Be | Mel Robbins" delves into the process of self-transformation and the actionable steps needed to achieve your desired self-image.

The second video, "Hozier - Someone New," explores themes of renewal and the quest for self-discovery through music, resonating with the journey of finding one's true self.