Chapter 1: The Roots of Authenticity

You cannot transform into someone you are not.

Regardless of how many stunning forests I explore in Montana and beyond, my roots remain firmly planted beneath the trees of Taunusstein, Germany. Recently, I have immersed myself in a variety of German music genres—hip hop, pop, rock, and singer/songwriter. I find immense joy in singing along, captivated by the lyrics' artistry, poetic nature, cleverness, and the intricate harmony of words and melodies.

Listening to English songs lacks the same emotional depth for me, not necessarily because the German writers are superior, but because I often miss the cultural and historical nuances that make their work so brilliant.

Grammarly claims my vocabulary is quite sophisticated, yet I suspect they are simply skilled marketers. Since my early music days, I've been exposed to UK and US lyrics, which significantly aided my language learning. Having lived in the US since 2008, with a previous year in 1996, I became an American citizen in 2015—one of the most significant commitments I've ever made. I often find myself moved to tears when I hear the national anthem at sporting events.

However, my experiences differ drastically. I never indulged in Saturday morning cartoons, had a locker in high school, or participated in cheerleading, football games, or band practices. Breakfast was never cereal for me; scrambled eggs were reserved for dinner. I struggle to articulate witty anecdotes, underscoring the reality that I am unaware of what I am missing.

I can never become someone I am not. Though I have studied US history, literature, and geography, I will never fully grasp what it felt like to grow up in this culture, as my childhood was spent in Germany.

My client may learn how to declutter, cook, sew, and host gatherings, but she will never experience the true joy of being a homemaker because she is an artist at heart. You might work tirelessly to build a career that impresses those around you, yet you may never experience the genuine satisfaction of success, as it holds a different meaning for you.

Ultimately, pretending to be someone we were not meant to be can lead to dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and even physical discomfort.

I witnessed this in a friend who felt pressured by her parents to pursue a career in law or business to inherit the family business. I see it in a client who dreads her prestigious job with a fancy title. I feel it myself when I confine my body to a desk for too long.

This is not to say we should avoid exploring new ways of being or living; rather, it is essential to engage in self-exploration to understand who we are becoming. We are continuously evolving into our true selves.

When we free ourselves from cultural distractions, we can more directly pursue our innate desires. However, when we chase after what society has conditioned us to want, we risk losing sight of our genuine motivations, potentially spending our lives seeking rewards that fail to bring true fulfillment.

As Martha Beck articulates in "The Way of Integrity," if you feel you lack the time to discover who you are becoming, perhaps it's time to check out the "Start Wasting Time" guide I created. You can access it here and subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter.

Chapter 2: The Influence of Music on Self-Discovery

In the video "Nietzsche - How to Become Who You Are", we explore concepts surrounding authenticity and self-discovery, delving into the philosophical insights that encourage us to embrace our true selves.

The video "Nietzsche - Overcome Shame, Become Who You Are" further examines the journey of shedding societal expectations and embracing our genuine identity.