Polish actress Agata Kulesza has spoken about her experience with sadness, therapy, and self-acceptance, describing how she gradually regained peace and learned to choose joy again after a difficult period in her life.
Speaking in an interview conducted by Beata Biały for the Polish magazine PANI, published in 2023, Kulesza addressed her personal recovery rather than her professional achievements. She explained that following a time marked by sadness, she began considering whether she wanted to remain focused on her problems or work toward regaining happiness.
Kulesza said that a person can either become stuck in problems, which everyone has in abundance, or do everything possible to bring back joy. She added that the choice rests with each individual, comparing the decision to select joy to choosing an item of clothing from a wardrobe.
Finding peace through therapy and daily gratitude
The transformation did not happen overnight, according to the actress. She noted that regaining inner calm was her essential first step, followed by professional therapy where she focused on developing self-acceptance.
Over time, Kulesza began paying greater attention to small positive moments and feeling deep gratitude for them. She cited the support of her family and friends, her ongoing work in the theatre, and quiet moments spent by the sea as central sources of comfort. She acknowledged that even on difficult days she makes an effort to find something positive, though she admitted it is not always easy.
Acclaimed career in theatre and international cinema
Kulesza was born on September 27, 1971, in Szczecin, Poland. She graduated from the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw before building an extensive career across Polish theatre, film, and television.
Her notable film performances include roles in Róża, Cold War, 25 Years of Innocence, and the television drama series Skazana. One of her most celebrated roles came as Wanda Gruz in Paweł Pawlikowski's 2013 drama Ida. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015, and Kulesza has earned multiple acting awards throughout her career.
Despite her widespread professional accolades, Kulesza emphasized in the PANI interview that personal well-being and emotional balance remained her primary focus during that period of reflection.
