Lagos: Unique and Authentic
We joyfully dance through the waves as the glowing red sun rises. The colorful fishing boats are illuminated by the first bright rays of sunshine. The rich history intertwined with the ocean makes Lagos unique and authentic. Each day, the sea and sun give our spirits a positive boost. As we stroll into the city, we not only enjoy the beautiful cobbled alleys and streets but also the robust wooden doors adorned with Fatima hands and wrought iron balconies. Café owners happily open their terraces. It’s finally allowed! Lagos, unique and authentic, stands out with its charm, head and shoulders above other tourist destinations in the Algarve. Moreover, the community is a vibrant mix of Portuguese, Africans, and Northern Europeans.
What Makes Lagos Unique and Authentic
What makes a city like Lagos so unique and authentic? Not just because of its history, partially preserved, intertwined with trendy architecture and street art. It’s something that stands out; Outstanding. Because what makes you unique and authentic? Not just your history. But that, despite the past, you maintain your originality. And that your focus isn’t on doing what your surroundings expect of you. Instead, you dare to say ‘no’ to demands that don’t resonate with you, without feeling guilty.
How much do you adapt? Being authentic is an act of love toward yourself. From personal experience, I know; it’s a challenging journey. With ups and downs. Works in progress, but it’s worth it. Especially letting go of who you are not or what doesn’t suit you is incredibly liberating.
The Dark Side of Outstanding
However, outstanding also has a dark side. Sometimes you literally stand outside. Alone. Because you no longer need the frameworks of a fixed group with certain behavior codes. That would even feel like a too-tight jacket. Original people are often hindered by rules and ingrained patterns. Sometimes they become the black sheep of the family, like the Turkish young writer Lale GĂĽl. She sheds light on unyielding beliefs from times past. I wonder if, through this crisis, we can’t move toward a new kind of “we”; one where all unique individuals—like you and me—can be ourselves.
Colorful and Creative
We can count ourselves fortunate to host guests and coaching clients from all walks of life. It’s incredibly inspiring to connect with diverse individuals. Everyone possesses unique qualities. For instance, one coaching client—what stands out as she enters are her colorful shoes. She casually shares, “I’ve started various sustainable businesses on a tropical island. Now I’m ready for something new.” While I listen to her new ideas, I’m astonished; “Wow, what creativity and originality! The way you describe it makes it sound effortless, while I know you work hard for it!” “But it’s my passion, so it doesn’t feel like work,” she brightens up.
Turning the Tide
One guest, after years of working at Gasunie, has turned his life around. With his beloved, he has started organic farming in Northern Netherlands. They have both realized their dreams. Additionally, another guest has already written two beautiful books about the most extraordinary Tiny Houses. With passion, she has even established an organization to promote ‘less house, more life’—a very current topic, especially now that housing shortages are significant in the Netherlands. Thus, we know many authentic entrepreneurs.
Fear versus Tolerance
However, due to the fear that the media spreads like unwanted gingerbread from a fake Sinterklaas, polarization within the population is at an all-time high. Moreover, it leads to inertia. Instead of steadfastly following one’s own path, panic breeds distrust and group formation; against or for strict adherence to measures. Against or for vaccinations. It seems you’re even labeled as antisocial if you choose to go on vacation! While we could better navigate this phase by practicing tolerance toward those who think or act differently. Learning to cope with the unknown—those gray areas brought about by this pandemic. Whether we refer to the Second World War or the Spanish Civil War as examples, a crisis lay at the heart of both. That caused a significant division. Now we are facing a war of ideas.
Imagine
How important it is to discuss how we should or shouldn’t handle this crisis rather than merely having empathy for the suffering. No one knows exactly how, what, and when. What we do know is that a crisis never lasts forever and may indeed present opportunities. Let’s instead brainstorm about things that offer possibilities. Perspective! Each with their own unique contributions. Focusing on who we are from person to person. And learning and inspiring each other. And admiring one another, just as we appreciate our city: Lagos, unique and authentic. The more we live our originality without harming others, the more tolerance we can cultivate for others’ uniqueness. Imagine all the people!
