Beatriz Hortelano Garvayo

Beatriz Hortelano Garvayo, Spain
Full-Time MBA Class of 2022
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Professional Roles, Achievements and Activities

• Visiting 55 countries, some with friends some alone
• My contribution in “Arjuna el Guerrero de la Luz” a Poetry collection by my mother which was published in 2019
• Volunteering in Mexico for two months providing medical and psychological support to 150 children of the same community
• Five years of international professional experience

What is invisible but essential about YOU? or ESADE? or Barcelona?

Raised between Spain and Germany, I have constantly moved from one country to another. When thinking of “Invisible but essential” the first thing that pops into my mind “Nec spe nec metu” – without hope, without fear. By following and believing in this phrase, my heart suddenly got divided between the place where I was born and the place where I was reborn:

I’ve long tried to be invisible. Even when out among “the people,” I preferred to pass unnoticed, to merge with the crowd. You can call it being introverted if you will. My desire to remain invisible was based less on wanting to be left alone and more on not wanting to bother anyone. I tried to pass through crowds as smoothly as I could for many years, letting people pass when they were in a hurry and holding open doors whenever I could, contributing whilst not taking.

Until I found myself searching for the right answer to the question someone had asked me: “What’s the reason for you not doing this Bea?” “Lack of self-confidence?” Probably. And there I was, in Germany, aged 22, just me and my invisibility. Realizing the urge to redirect all this invisible energy into something noticeable, meaningful, and impactful. And so, I did. In turn, I experienced a self-transformation that brought me here.

Invisibility doesn’t mean sacrificing one’s individuality, it only means not having to assert it all the time. But still, assert it from time to time. In this sense, when realized, it can reflect a deeper sense of self-confidence than standing out. Even if no one else ever knows.

Nowadays, it is often difficult to stop and appreciate what we are and what we have. The following exercise helped me recognize the importance of ourselves. I hope you enjoy it.

MIRROR STATION:

Stand in front of a mirror, look into your eyes, and say out loud that you love yourself.

How often do we do that? Not often enough. But the more we do it the more it builds in our sub consciousness.

The how: take a mirror, look at yourself. 3 reps of mirror work. Appreciate yourself. That’s you.

AFFIRMATION STATION:

The how: Write 3 affirmations. 3 reps out loud of each.

• I AM PROUD OF MYSELF (There are many reasons you can be proud of)
• I AM DOING MY BEST (We tend to be too hard on ourselves. Remember we always try our best. Don’t forget that)
• I DON’T HAVE TO BE ANYONE ELSE BUT ME (We are constantly comparing things, careers, and personalities. Stop it. You are unique, stay unique.)

GRATITUDE MACHINE:

Being grateful for ourselves, bodies, health, or whatever it is about us.

The how: Note 3 things we are grateful for. Thinking about it is also powerful.

• I am grateful for the mistakes I have made in my life (Mistakes. Sounds kind of negative right? But you would probably not be here today if it wasn’t for them. Enjoy their outcome)

PHYSICAL TOUCH:

Hug more. Often. Give a hug to yourself for 30 secs.

The how: Take your arms and gently wrap them around yourself. Breathe. Let yourself know that you are here. Be present. Enjoy the moment. Breathe. Notice how you are feeling. Breathe.