It takes a lot of courage to be yourself. In the 21st century, we are all talking about keeping things real and evolving. But the truth is still far away to be discovered or just enough layers more to put the veil off. Tell me – How many times each day do you mean to say one thing, and say another instead because you’re worried about what others might think?
Or how often do you wake up in the morning with one idea in mind for what you want to accomplish, only to find yourself doing something else because of social pressures or personal anxieties?
Because it’s harder than ever to be yourself when others want you to be like others. Quite complicated, isn’t it? Distorted and twisted both on purpose and accidentally concept of humanitarian. It is society’s hypocrisy to tell you to be yourself and also that they are not liking the version of you being yourself.
Picasso described it just so well:
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
Since childhood, we are taught to think and behave like everyone else. We are warned that if we attempt to be different from our peers, or stand out from the crowd, people will not accept us and we will stay alone. Drop by drop, these messages kill our desire to be ourselves and we seek out our safe and comfortable place under the shelter of the majority.
Though most of us are doing a great job in shutting down the originality that lies deep within us that is what makes humans miserable. We act like this because we have come to believe that this is the most practical, effective way to go through life with as little pain and discomfort as possible. But remember without a doubt, on your way to showing up with your true self, you will inevitably encounter people who just will not be able to understand you. Yes, some will harshly criticize you and others will make fun of you.
Why?
Because such people are not brave enough to express their originality it makes them miserable to see someone else doing this. Yes, it takes a lot of courage to be yourself, copying others is way too easier. Consequently, you will inevitably meet people, who will try to tear you down just because you have chosen to embrace your authentic self.
My answer to such people is:
In a world full of copycats the expression “You are weird” is a compliment to me. Pay it often! Thanks.
Therefore focus on yourself, and don’t get lost in other people. Because the truth is sometimes you have to do what’s best for you and your life, not what’s best for everyone else. Believe in yourself, you’re braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.
If they don’t like you for being yourself, be yourself even more.
Keep loving yourself.
SALONI'S PEN 