Do you live inwards or outwards?

How much attention do you pay to what happens around you? And how much do you pay to what happens within you?

The goal of this post is to invite you to evaluate the reality you live in and reflect on whether this is truly how you want to keep living.

From a young age, we grow up trying to meet the expectations of those around us—parents, teachers, family… We develop in a world that tells us what we must do to achieve happiness. We hear phrases like:

🔹 “If you don’t have children, you’re not complete.”

🔹 “If you don’t want to be a boss, why did you study business?”

🔹 “Extroverts go further in life.”

These patterns and societal norms weigh us down and push us to seek validation externally, without stopping to listen to what we truly want.

On top of this, the influence of consumer culture dictates what is supposed to make us happy:

✔ A perfect body.

✔ Endless travel.

✔ More money.

✔ Higher social status.

The problem is that as we chase these things, a permanent sense of dissatisfaction grows within us. It always seems like something is missing.

Happiness Comes from Within

We live in a society that sells us the idea that happiness depends on what we have. But is that really true?

If you’re tired of constantly proving your worth without feeling real fulfillment, maybe it’s time to ask yourself:

💡 How much time do you spend truly understanding yourself?

💡 What is genuinely important to you?

💡 What are the things that bring you peace and fulfillment?

Many times, there is a huge gap between what society tells us will make us happy and what truly fulfills us.

As a coach, I have witnessed the transformation of many people who finally free themselves from what they were "supposed to be" and start living their authenticity—without shame, without limitations, and without fear of being excluded.

Having money, success, recognition, or followers means nothing if, deep down, you don’t feel whole. External admiration might fill you for a while, but if your inner world is empty, the feeling of dissatisfaction will return.

Each person chooses how to live, and all choices are equally valid. But if you are searching for happiness, you should know that it is not found outside—it is within you.

5 Tips to Connect with Your Inner Self

If you want to start living from within, here are some key steps:

1️⃣ Listen to your inner voice – Take time for silence. Meditation, journaling, or simply being still can help you hear what you truly feel and need.

2️⃣ Question imposed beliefs – Ask yourself if the goals you are pursuing are truly yours or if you adopted them due to social or family pressure.

3️⃣ Learn to say "no" – You don’t have to accept everything others expect from you. Setting boundaries is key to prioritizing your well-being.

4️⃣ Connect with what brings you peace – Identify activities that make you feel calm, whole, and in harmony. It could be art, nature, reading, or simply spending time with yourself.

5️⃣ Surround yourself with people who respect your authenticity – Your environment affects how you feel. Seek relationships that nurture you and accept you as you are.

Happiness is not found outside—it is within you, waiting to be discovered. ✨

Image by Freepik

Melinda Sanchez Coach

www.melindasanchezcoach.com