We contain multitudes, and learning to honor every version of ourselves might be the most honest kind of authenticity.

After living in Paris for more than 20 years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about identity, why we feel different in certain places, how we show up in different roles, and what it really means to find your voice.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of my own reflections, what it’s like to be an introvert who thrives professionally but needs quiet to recharge, and how I’ve come to understand the many “voices” I use throughout my life. Some are bold. Some are quiet. All of them are mine.

I’ve wrestled with the idea of authenticity. Am I being true to myself if I act one way at work and another at home? For a long time, that question left me feeling off-balance. But then I started to realize that maybe finding happiness has less to do with choosing one version of yourself and more to do with accepting all of them.

So I’m asking: What if your different voices are all valid? What if your adaptability is actually a strength, not something to hide? This is a short, personal episode… one I hope will give you a moment of recognition, relief, or maybe a fresh perspective on the beautiful complexity of being human.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Life in Paris

01:48 Finding Your Voice

04:32 The Looking Glass Self

05:17 Multiple Versions of Self

08:03 Adaptability & Self-Preservation

10:00 The Petal Analogy

12:00 Avatars & Authenticity

13:06 Embracing All of You

Links

Professor Bruce Hood: The Science of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Happiness-Bruce-Hood/dp/139852638X

Connect with Jane Bertch:

Website: www.janebertch.com

Instagram @janebertch

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm