Who am I? This is a question that haunts us all at some point, especially when the people around us are trying to constantly answer this question for us. How do we remain true to ourselves in a world that is constantly trying to make us something else? especially when we feel different than others.
I can tell you that it isn’t easy. Wishing your life to be a certain way that you feel people won’t accept or wanting to do something that the majority doesn’t label as ‘normal’ can be quiet intimidating. Having different ideas and opinions, shared by no one but yourself can be lonely and lead you to wonder how and where those ideas and opinions fit and most importantly you wonder why these ideas only seem absolutely genius to you? And you start to question your sanity.
People generally are uncomfortable if they don’t do things that society says they’re ‘meant to’. Truth is it’s okay to be different to the rest of the world. It’s absolutely normal in fact amazing that you want to think outside the box and you are willing to mark your niche where normal people are scared to approach.
“Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.”
~Aristotle
Life is Short:
Let’s face it, life is short. It is far too short to just do what’s normal because normal is boring! I’ve always liked the idea of finding opportunities outside of the ‘norm’ because I find regular life to be mundane. But your normal may be different from mine, you may like the idea of doing things the way I find absurd. But that okay. We are allowed to be different and be something one might not call normal. Because let’s be honest who even defined these boundaries of what is normal and what is not. However, it is important to note that it does not allow one to step out of morality or abandon humanity in the name of being different.
But, it may be difficult:
It can be truly exhausting sometimes to remain true to yourself in an environment where everyone expects you to be something else.
We have established that it is difficult and uncomfortable to be different, so why not just conform? The mould is there for a reason, right? The answer may be completely subjective but let me tell you that if you do not like to conform to the set patterns its okay! You can make your new moulds any day.
It is important to know that your degree doesn’t define your worth or shouldn’t drive your passion. You may have studied medicines but your heart can lie in painting or sketching and this doesn’t mean that you are being dishonest to your profession. In fact, it shows that you are being honest to yourself and following your passion is much more important than regretting not to pursue it later in your life.
Don’t be so afraid to colour outside of the lines
In your society, the common problem is that people around us want to dictate our future. They want to tell us what is good for us and whatnot. But your experiences don’t need to turn out to be exactly like them. Therefore, learn to explore your options. Something that might not have worked for others may very well work for you. Also, it is important to remember that you have a unique perspective to offer that no one else does. So trust your instincts and act accordingly, the world is yours to conquer.
Being true to yourself means you might bump heads with other people.
Also, it is important to realize that being true to yourself means you might bump heads with other people. That is okay!
If there isn’t any conflict in human interaction it usually means one person is compromising their beliefs in some way. A little bit of conflict is natural; accept it and learn from it.
There is a sort of catch that comes with breaking the mould though. It isn’t an easy road and you are going to face some difficulties
What can you expect if you choose to break the mould?
Will you be mocked? You bet
Misunderstood? Count on it.
Outcasted? Most likely
And all of it will be worth it. To the people you help and to your happiness in life, there is no alternative. You have to be true to yourself, against all odds.
The choice of who you will be is ultimately up to you.
If you choose to break the mould, I offer some advice to help you find your way:
1. Intimately get to know who you are and what you represent.
Without a crystal clear view of your identity, it will be difficult to survive the pressure and ridicule. Get to know yourself more. Spend time meditating, writing out your feelings, and organizing your thoughts before you make any big decisions. It is important that you know yourself before anyone else.
2. Try not to take things personally.
What you need to realize is that humans attack what they don’t understand. It isn’t that they dislike or disapprove of you; it is that they don’t understand what you represent.
Realize that the attacks are not personal, no matter how they sound. The people attacking you are just protecting their own ideals because what you represent makes them question their values. So don’t get disappointed maybe one day you end up inspiring them to change.
3. Realize that you are unique and important:
Your opinion and approach matters just as much as everyone else’s!
Once you start walking your path, never turn back. Walkthrough life with your head held high knowing that you never comprised what is in your heart.
Being true to yourself will eventually earn you respect among many of your peers.
Never feel uncomfortable, inadequate or in any way negative for being yourself. Embrace what makes you unique, and realize the good in standing out from the pack!
Micheal Hill
4. Your heart should keep supporting your dream:
You may or may not get the support you need to move ahead. But what is important that your heart keep supporting your dream and you are crystal clear in your head about what you want. One day people who didn’t support may get inspired enough to not only support you but your dreams also.
5. Don’t do it for others:
Don’t try to be different because you believe being different is cool. It’s not. Being original and unique is cool and admirable. Stay true to yourself you may not be that ordinary you think yourself to be. Each one of us thinks differently and feel differently so it important that you try to bring that out instead of following someone’s path to look unique. Remember, you are only you and nobody else can be that. And this in itself is the most amazing things
6. Be accepting also:
Remember that if you are unique, someone else must also be. Someone may have an idea that you may not agree to but it doesn’t mean that they are wrong. Don’t forget that you too were once looking for acceptance and today if you have a reached a position where you can make a difference in someone’s life, be accepting. Don’t be what you had to face instead allow others to be unique too.
In conclusion,
If you feel you are different because you do not fit with normal people ideas of creativity, congratulations you are your person who doesn’t need shoulder of someone to lean on, rather you are ready to mark your niche. Also, remember that almost all the great people in history chose to break the mould and to walk their path.
Starting right now, I challenge you to walk your path and don’t compromise your beliefs for anyone.
Take the first step and never turn back.
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
— Dr. Seuss.
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