Authenticity

If I asked you to draw a circle on an A4 paper, how would you do it?

How would you hold the paper, and how much of the page would you use?

Now imagine this question being asked in a crowded place, with pen and paper handed to you. Then imagine those papers being pinned to a wall. I believe you’d see many circles that, while similar, show subtle differences. Picture yourself looking at that wall, and then another question is asked:
“Which of these is not a circle?”
The answer is simple: none of them. That’s exactly what authenticity is. A group of different circles on a wall. Even if the space used and the way the paper is handled vary, the first thing you’ll notice when you look at that wall is a series of circles side by side.

Why is authenticity important?

Authenticity is one of the core traits that make us who we are. It’s a sign of our strengths and of the things that bring us joy. That’s why the world of art is so vibrant and inclusive. Artists who express themselves in different ways offer a rich and colorful world to those who engage with their work.

But one of the most important aspects is how these artists become recognized. Just like in every area of life, those who discover and remain true to their authentic voice are the ones who stand out.

This is also what distinguishes people from one another and adds richness to the bigger picture. If we were all the same, we’d become part of a dull, monochromatic whole. No one around us would stand out, and we’d all walk the same path in the same way. That path, in turn, would have limited potential for growth.

But in a picture where different paths exist, a sense of curiosity and exploration emerges. When you see something different on a nearby road, you get the chance to revise your own map. Maybe you’ll add new trees or take something away.
To me, that’s a beautiful kind of freedom.

How does one become truly authentic?
By getting to know yourself better. I know this is a short and simple answer, but it truly captures the essence. Knowing what brings you joy and what you’re naturally good at is deeply valuable. Of course, these things can change over time, but even the intention to know yourself better is. Asking yourself questions like these helps reveal how you’re growing and evolving:

  • “What have I been enjoying doing lately?”
  • “Which of my skills can I use more in this area?”
  • “Which of the skills I have do I use the most these days?”

Self-compassion and awareness will serve you more than you might expect.

Curiosity

Before I began writing this piece, I started researching 21st-century skills. As I explored the resources I found helpful, I realized I could approach this topic from a broader perspective—and decided to save the 21st-century skills for another article. ✍️

Now, returning to the theme in the title and visual: curiosity, in my opinion, is one of the most essential and timeless qualities.

As centuries pass, sources and perspectives evolve with new disciplines and current issues. Yet the work of curious minds remains timeless. Whenever I think of curiosity, I think of figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi—people who emerged long before the technological advancements we have today. I begin to wonder, “What would the world be like if they had never lived?” and I find myself searching for answers to such questions.

These kinds of questions rarely have just one answer. Just like the ripples created when a stone hits the surface of a lake vary depending on where it lands, the reflections of the world shift with each different impact. Of course, in a world where concepts like lifelong learning still hold importance, it’s not just about maintaining what exists—it’s also about how we move forward from where we are. Time and life flow like a river… That’s why we should focus on keeping this river flowing, and hopefully, inspiring those who come after us along the way. 💭

To wrap up, curiosity shapes world history. It encourages people to explore new things. The discoveries and creations it drives—those that bring ease, open up new fields, and leave lasting impressions—become valuable resources for shaping the future.

As I close this piece, I want to leave you with a forward-looking question:

100 years from now, what kind of discovery would you like to be remembered for?

In which field, and with what kind of impact, would that discovery need to have for you to consider it a success? 🌱✨

Authenticity

I believe authenticity is a very important concept. One common trait among the people we’ve admired throughout history is their authenticity. They’ve found common ground in what they loved, disliked, and enjoyed doing. And they’ve embraced those aspects of themselves. I asked for a definition of authenticity, but there might not be a perfect one. However, we can ask what it means to a particular person. Of course, there’s a short definition: the sum of the qualities that reflect a person in the best way and make them unique. But it’s difficult to delve too deep into such a personal thing. We inevitably continue to explain it from our own perspective. That’s why I wanted to use the theme of water in the visual. Placing the bird was my own unique touch. Even if everyone were a sea, it would be difficult to find common ground beyond being a deep body of water. We are all different, and that’s what makes us special. Even if we’re good team players, we bring our own methods and strengths to the team. This diversity makes things easier to accomplish. ✨

From this perspective, returning to the example of the sea, what would a sea named after you or any name you choose be like? What kind of creatures would live there? Where would it be? How deep and warm would it be? I apologize for asking so many questions, but as a big fan of the sea, I find myself answering them. If you were to take a pen and paper, how would you answer these questions? You don’t have to write words; if a song, shape, or phrase comes to mind, please note or draw it down. If you want to use multiple pens and materials, let your creativity guide you. Look curiously at the answers that come to mind. What specific strengths do they want to show you? ⭐️ I’ll end the text without making it any longer. I hope your seas bring you joy.

Sincerely,

Serra ☺️

The Infinite Boundaries

When you hear the term “limitless boundaries,” what comes to mind?

How can boundaries be limitless?

It wouldn’t be right for me to answer the first question for you, but I can answer the second one. After all, I was the one who came up with the title of this article. 🤓

Just as we are all different, so are our personal boundaries, just like our perspectives. If we were all countries, and our boundaries were the borders of our countries, the shapes could be very different. 🗺  Some might have more rounded borders,while others might be defined by triangles. Like the concept of authenticity in coaching, this is a source of diversity and richness! I started this article with this idea in mind and drew a few shapes that came to mind. This picture, of course,expands further and fills with even more different shapes. ✨

I drew a few shapes that came to mind, even using different colors. The starting point for this article was actually a moment when I was drawing something else. 🌱 “I don’t like black limited drawings,” I said to the person opposite me. 💬 But I also love black,which is a mixture of all colors and light! Diversity doesn’t have to come from color.

There is only one right answer in this regard: everyone has their own healthy boundaries. ⭐️ Recognizing and respecting them are the keys to nonviolent communication.

So how can we see someone’s boundaries? 🚲

What they like and dislike, their routines, and how they express themselves are all indicators of their personal boundaries. 📍 When you look at it from this perspective, what are your boundaries? 💭What is their shape, color, and definition?  How do you reflect them for nonviolent and healthy communication? 🤓

Nature and human – 7

Today I saw a different perspective on the relationship between nature and humans; fly. 🙃 It has been with these vehicles throughout human history and entered our lives as an act of travel. But today I want to talk about a different type of flying; fly like birds. 🐦‍⬛ But I can say like them because they seem like they were created to fly. They have wings that make them float in the air and bodies that support the wings. They eat differently than us and nest in higher places. 🪺 As humans, we feel this feeling mostly with an airplane or different vehicles. You can even look at the sky and ask, “I wonder what this cloud looks like?” We pass through the clouds we follow by asking the question. We see how soft and huge the clouds we create games actually are. ✈️

Flying is actually a desire that we had as children. We, children who try to go to the top when we get on the swing, look out the plane window with a similar feeling when we grow up. 🥹 Then, are we human birds?😇 I wonder what they would be like if we had wings like birds? I would definitely want a warm toned color somewhere. 😊 Before finishing the article, I would like to ask you a question with your permission. How would you describe flying? Which part of you in particular still sees flying as a child looking at the clouds? ☺️

Note: The image was created with artificial intelligence.

#natureandhuman #human #nature #flying #birds #sky #people #clouds #perspective

Today, I witnessed a different  perspective on the human-nature relationship: the act of flying. 🙃Throughout history, humans have utilized various tools and technologies to traverse the skies, making flying an integral part of our lives. However, I’m not referring to this conventional form of flight; I’m talking about the wish to soar through the air like birds. ‍🐦‍⬛

Birds, one might say, were born to fly. Their wings are perfectly designed for gliding through the air, supported by their sturdy bodies. Their diets and nesting habits differ significantly from ours, allowing them to occupy higher altitudes. 🪺 As humans, we can only experience a semblance of this feeling through airplanes or other flying mechanisms. We often gaze at the sky, wondering “What does that cloud look like?”, passing through these fluffy giants. As we play our imaginative games, we realize the vastness and softness of these clouds. ✈️

The desire to fly is deeply rooted in our childlike selves. As children, we strive to reach the highest point on the swing, and this yearning continue  as we grow older, as we peer out of airplane windows. Does this transformation make us “human birds”? What if we had wings like birds? How would they look? I would certainly want them to be adorned with warm colors.

Before concluding this post, I’d like to ask your permission to pose a question: How would you describe the feeling of flying? What aspect of yourself still retains that childlike wonder when gazing at the clouds? ☺️

Note: This image was created using artificial intelligence.

Nature and Human – 6

One of the routines of someone living in the city, especially in Turkey, is to spend more time with cats and dogs. For example, on my street, we have a loving cat, a dog who thinks itself as the protector of the street, and people who feed them almost every year. I took this photo while I was walking on the street. It, I don’t know its gender, is very lovely and little talkative cat. I share this photo, but she/he turned around itself and shared its day with me. “ Living in the city is something like this,” it said and turned to the other side. Then added, “but this is my corner because this is sunny here.” Then I continued my way by saying, “See you again.” Then I don’t know what it did, but I imagine that it was enjoying the sun more.

Nature and Human – 5

I guess every time I want to draw something different, I find myself discovering something new. 🤓 The story of this picture is similar to this; I wanted to draw the sky, but I wanted it to be a little different. If I were drawing the sky, it might be a little more realistic. I was going to put my yellow window in later anyway. 🪟

The process of the work also reflects the message I want to give; New perspectives can provide freedom. 🌱✨ Until this idea, I was always looking at animals and plants in nature. But it never occurred to me to look at the sky. We always look at the sky to check the weather, to breathe and for many other reasons. In a way, it becomes our compass. 🗺️ It has a very important place in the relationship between nature and humans. It is our guide. 📍How would you describe the sky? What does it mean to you ? 🎈

Nature and humans -4

I normally take photos for my nature and humans content. But this time I wanted to share the relationship between nature and humans as a drawing and asked myself the question “How can I draw? “. 🤓 I thought of drawing a building and an animal facing it. There had to be something that caught the animal’s attention too, something to eat! 🍴This is how the giraffe appeared, staring at an ivy-covered building. 🦒 How would you describe the relationship between nature and humans? 🌱

Harmony within balance and creativity

Today, the concepts of balance and creativity came to my mind at different times. At some point in the middle of the day, I realized that I used my creativity more than I thought about a subject without realizing it. At another point in the day, I saw the importance of balance in nature. 🌸

What kind of balance is this? 🤓

Before I started the article, the word harmony came to my mind, but what I actually mean is; finding your place in balance. 📍 Then my word changed again and became harmony in balance. ✨

We can observe many examples of this in the nature. For example, in the past years I have observed how a cormorant uses its wings to catch its prey under the sea. It understood the balance of the water and dived accordingly. I guess creativity comes into play at this point. Continuing from here, creativity can be using resources in the most possible way to achieve harmony. 🌱

Contrary to what is imagined, creativity can also be seen as something related to daily life. For example, making a meal different or discovering shortcuts while going somewhere can also be described as using your creativity. 🙃 With your permission, I would like to ask you a similar question; How do you use your creativity and become a part of the balance? ✨