What does it really mean to "be yourself" when you're still figuring out who that even is? In this moving and introspective TEDx talk, Nikita Asnani, the speaker, takes us through her deeply personal journey of navigating identity, mental health, and self-expression while moving from Dubai to the UK for university. Through stories of self-doubt, culture shock, and creative awakening, she explores how feeling psychologically safe, not just physically secure, was the key to unlocking her authenticity and creativity.From battling the noise of internalised expectations to writing her first children's book, this talk unpacks how intuition, vulnerability, and true self-acceptance can be radical acts of courage. A compelling reminder that authenticity isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about giving yourself permission to ask the right questions. Nikita Asnani is a design thinking researcher, facilitator, and children's book author based in London, originally from Dubai. With a deep passion for creativity, inclusion, and sustainability, Nikita uses storytelling to explore these themes in fun, accessible ways. She believes in the power of young minds to think creatively and approach problem-solving with confidence. Through her work, Nikita inspires both children and adults to embrace their ideas and find joy in creative exploration, regardless of size or complexity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx