THE MOSAIC WITHIN

I once heard that we are a collection of the world and people around us; a mosaic of many tiles varying in color, shape, and size. And what a beautiful way of phrasing the act of gathering habits from those we love. Whether it's the family recipes passed down through generations that your grandmother taught you, a word you picked up from your best friend, the way you love your favorite movies because your dad loved them first, or read the same books as your mom. Fragments of you are borrowed from the patterns of those around you, and similarly your own are embedded within theirs. 

Considering this, one can’t help but wonder—if I’m a product of those around me, what parts of myself are just me? I think identifying that lies in understanding the difference between doing things because you genuinely want to and being subconsciously coerced by the world. I believe that we pick-up these mosaic tiles not because of an intrinsic lack of them, but an appreciation for a quality that is already present within ourselves. Thus, the process of living authentically begins with the re-discovery of the self, and the things that brighten your inner sparkle. As everyone is born their authentic self, think back to your childhood; ask your parents what your favorite activities were. Painting, reading, playing instruments, running, writing, and more, are all activities many of us loved as children because they unleashed our natural curiosity and creativity. We must lean into these energy-givers rather than being indoctrinated by the urge to conform. Beyond that, living authentically can also involve expanding our consciousness and living with a purpose. Through really taking the time to sit with ourselves—whether that be through prayer, meditation, journaling, or simply just putting our phones down and actively engaging with the world—we carve out an opportunity to discover what we genuinely enjoy, desire, value, and care about. By creating gaps in our constant stream of consciousness, we allow love, light, and moments of deep peace to seep in. This enables us to create a fulfilling life, in which we engage our natural talents and simply follow our joy. 

The honest unveiling of the self, however, is no simple undertaking. It calls for a venture beyond the familiar sanctuary of comfort and a brave confrontation with the fears that obscure your true self. However, as the brilliant Naguib Mahfouz once said, 

“الخوف لا يمنع الموت، ولكنه يمنع الحياة”, meaning fear does not prevent death, it prevents life. We must all find the courage to follow the things that illuminate our hearts. Because once we do, we open the floodgates to a deluge of light and happiness. I urge you not to live in the shadow of a mask, in the fear of what others may think. After all, the beauty and worthiness of an artwork does not change based on the people viewing it; our worthiness and other people’s opinions have no relation to one another. Why go through life unnoticed? Cherish the magic which emanates from your unique constellation of mosaic tiles. Allow no dust of the world settle upon them and dim your radiance. 

Reflect upon the astronomical odds against you being born—a one-in-a-billion miracle! The amount of people on this earth is that statistic multiplied by eight. This extraordinary gift demands you live true to your bold and beautiful self. 

Guest Essay

By Jenna Allouba

Published May 11, 2025