“When I had nothing to lose, I had everything. When I stopped being who I am, I found myself.”
— Paulo Coelho
Simplified Meaning:
When you don't have anything valuable to lose, you can feel like you have everything because there is nothing to worry about. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack; when you take it off, you feel free and light. In the same way, letting go of things that tie you down can make you feel much freer. Also, if you stop holding on tightly to your identity - who you think you are - you might discover new things about yourself. For example, someone who has always seen themselves as shy might act more confidently when they try something new like public speaking. They realize they can do more than they thought, finding new parts of their personality. By not being afraid to change or lose something, you can open up new possibilities and find a truer version of yourself. It's about letting go of old ideas about who you should be, so you can become the person you actually are.