Have you ever wondered what it’s like finding the real you? To discover a new person within you?
There’s so much happening around us that we sometimes forget our identity and who we really are. Our life becomes a façade where we turn into the person the world wants to see.
In Tessa Eyes on the World, Kristena Prater and Salodius Byrd introduce readers to a story highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-discovery. Tessa’s story is about steering through life and confronting its challenges head-on, whether it’s love, loss, or identity across continents and cultures.
Through Tessa, we learn that finding the real you isn’t about seeking perfection but about questioning what drives us and rediscovering the passions and values that truly define us.
The Search for Self
Tessa takes a life-changing journey through the South Pacific, where she confronts her beliefs, navigates cultural differences, and learns to adapt while holding onto her core values.
In the islands of Tonga, Tessa learns that self-discovery often arises from discomfort. The cultural shift challenges her feminist ideas; however, she adapts when faced with such realities. Her story reminds us that discovering who we are often requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
Embracing Complexity
The story celebrates the multi-dimensional nature of identity. Tessa’s relationships—with her family, Peace Corps colleagues, and the Tongan community—reveal the many facets of her personality.
One particularly moving moment in the book is when Tessa wrestles with her feelings about a village feast where pigs are slaughtered in her honor.
This moment encapsulates the tension between her values and her role as a visitor. Such challenges help Tessa—and readers—see that authenticity doesn’t mean rigidly clinging to ideals; it often requires balancing them with compassion and understanding.
Why Finding the Real You Matters
Finding the real you is not about achieving a perfect version of yourself but embracing your imperfections, values, and evolving identity. Tessa’s story reminds us that this process is as much about unlearning societal norms as it is about learning to trust your instincts.
Tessa’s reflections on her family reveal another vital truth: knowing yourself also enriches your relationships with others. Her journey highlights that self-discovery empowers us to live more authentically, connect more meaningfully, and contribute to the world more intentionally.
So, ask yourself: What parts of your identity are waiting to be discovered? How can you balance the tensions between your values and the world around you? Like Tessa, dare to confront the unknown.
Read Kristena Prater and Salodius Byrd’s Tessa Eyes on the World today.
