Being yourself is a daily struggle, a daily battle we fight against ourselves, against those around us. We are surrounded by rules. How to live, how to be, what to do and when. We take lunch, when we are told we can and go home at an hour dictated to us by the rules. We follow these rules, the book of how to for life. We do because our parents before us did, because our children are expected to.
But what if you don’t?
What if you break the rules and instead, do things your way?
What if today, just this once, instead of the black two piece suit you put on every day, you chose something else? Something bright? Something bold? Something… YOU?
You smile at the thought but brush it away because the truth is, it’s just not worth the effort is it? You see, in a world like ours, conforming is rewarded. The reward? A distinct lack of judgement. No double take looks, no questions, no sneers. No eyes that say, look at her, she’s mad. How dare she? Who does she think she is?
SHE, isn’t trying to be someone crazy or different. She is just trying to be herself in a world that penalises breaking the mould. Being yourself in this world means constantly having to explain yourself and your decision to live authentically. Or you can choose not to explain but know that they look at you with their judging eyes and they whisper. Breaking the mould and being who you are doesn’t come without a care in the world. It takes practice and the growth of a thick skin. Oh but the rewards…they make it all worth it…
To be different in a world of same! That, is worth fighting for.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” ― Brené Brown
[bctt tweet=”Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day #BreneBrown #AuthenticLiving” username=”tyrannyofpink”]
Very true!
I like to think that I’ve aways just been myself, most of us do, but the truth is we hide behind actions and opinions that we think others willl like/accept so we “fit in” Its sad.
Im trying to teach the kids different.
Absolutely Cole… there’s always that nagging voice wondering what they will think if we don’t fit in. I think that what changed for me was having Oden, it made me question what kind of example I’d like to set for him. I want him to know that it’s okay to be exactly who he is. Even if that’s not who I want him to be (a base player – just for the record :p) I’m glad you are the same with your kids!
Love this !
I wrote something similar for another platform , as I need this constant reminder. Sometimes I doubt if I’m “good enough” , then I compare myself and think that maybe I need to change who I am…
But the truth is that won’t bring internal happiness. When we embrace who we are – all of it and celebrate it and own it – we enjoy life so much more and others will be impacted by our authentic selves !
Thanks for another inspiring and encouraging post! Keep them coming , please and thank you x
hey love, I’d love to read what you wrote! What’s so ironic is that I wrote that post to remind myself that it’s okay to not fit the mould but I’m so constantly filled with self-doubt myself. Your comment was ridiculously helpful in reminding me that I don’t have to doubt myself either. You’re so right, we really do need to embrace all of it, celebrate it and own it! Thank you for the inspiring comment <3