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I lied to everybody for years!

Estelle CHARLERY
Aug 17, 2023
2 min read

STORYTELLING

Estelle CHARLERY, author, blogger and life coach — Estelle C.

I lied to everyone...

I lied to my parents, making them believe that I was a dedicated student pursuing the studies they had chosen for me.

I lied to my teachers, pretending I was interested in their lessons.

I lied to my high school friends, acting happy and proud when I earned my Bac C (scientific baccalaureate) at 17 and a half.

I even faked excitement when I received my DEUG A (Sciences and Structure of Matter) — thanks, UPEC (University of Créteil, Paris area, France).

I lied to my first employers, convincing them I had a clear vision of where I wanted to be in five years.

I lied to the ones after that, making them believe I had outgrown my previous role and needed a change.

I lied to my husband and children every time I came home and said I had a great day at work.

I lied to all my lovers after my divorce, telling them I had a thriving career and that everything was just fine.

But most of all, I lied to myself!

But most of all, I lied to myself, because the only career I ever truly wanted wasn’t in administrative management or accounting, even though I excel at both.

It wasn’t in team management either, despite my natural talent for leadership.

It wasn’t even — hold on! — in personal development coaching, though I now find joy in helping others become more confident and empowered.

The only career I ever wanted to was in writing.

Black female writer — Write, write, write...

So, I almost became a scientist, but I became an executive.

I almost became a Manager, but I became an entrepreneur.

When all I ever wanted was to be an artist.

I’ve been lying to myself for half a century. Fifty years of pretending.

That’s a long time. It’s exhausting. And it hurts.

So, enough. I’m done.

My new life begins now.

July 31, 2023, marked the first day of the #JeRamenMaFraise challenge, organized by Nina Ramen. I joined wholeheartedly, and since then, I’ve restructured my life to focus on what truly matters: my journey as an artist and author.

Because the best way to inspire others to chase their dreams is to chase my own.