First, I would like to thank Sid for the graphic I have displayed above. His collection is just amazing! And looking at those graphics had given me an idea of what topic to write.
So here it is...
I presumed that most (if not all) of us here have experienced the pain of living life not as ourselves, but as others want us to be. Maybe at some point in our life, we recognize that we are not being true to ourselves but are in fact, being just the opposite. We try every conceivable effort to deny who we are, all in the name of being what we are 'supposed' to be.
Why? Because unfortunatley, there is no shortage of people wanting to tell us how we ought to live our lives. I wonder how they always seem to know better than us - as if they have come by this 'knowledge' by some divine providence. The fact of the matter is that it is nothing more than their own personal opinion as to how things ought to be. And even if others might agree with them, does not make their opinions any more correct.
On the other hand, I also believe that it is a twisted notion to think that being yourself means not changing anything about yourself. As changing ourself might be the most life affirming thing we can do. But I dont want to spend my time longing to be able to look or act or dress a certain way. There is nothing wrong in changing our looks, so long as they are done because they are what we want to do and not because we have been told do it.
But we don't need to set out to change the world to be ourself. All we need is to do is just one thing, and that's to be honest with ourselves.
Only we can know what will or will not help. Only we can know when we have reached a point where we are happy. All that others can offer are just opinion. Therefore we may take them for nothing more than just that - opinions. Some will feel right, others won't. In the end, only we can know what's right for us.
Bottom line: Be yourself and be true in your heart.
7 comments:
That's so true Odette. My mum always said "To thine own self be true etc...." and to 'have the courage of your own convictions'. Not always easy but I try. Good post. xxx
Very good post Odette. I have always taught my kids to be themselves, It doesn't matter what the world and his wife think. Take it or leave it.....xxx
I am what I am and that's all I am!
I think that what you are saying is very true and important. As a parent, I have to accept that my kids are individuals and not cookie cutter perfect robots. I think that it is hard for some parents to let their children be themselves while still offering guidance and advice. As a woman, I know that pretending to be something that you aren't is not ever going to work. You'll just end up unhappy. Change a man? No, it's best to let them die happy clutching their tv remote control, haha...It took me a long time to accept my imperfect self, but I am happier now that I have.
So True, so true! Loved this post! If people turn away from you because they don't like who you are, well, I guess you have to learn to accept it. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is far more important than impressing people. I think most people who struggle with this are deep down inside insecure people, who constantly seek the validation of others. It sort of makes me sad, truely we all need others, but we don't have to be so impressive to get their approval. Nobody's perfect, but I think it is important to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are. Its a comfort through the hard times. Ultimately people respect the honosty and integrity of a person who is just themselves, no show.
GREEEAt stuff hun. I learned a long time ago to treat people as they treat me. If they cannot be bothered to get to know the real person who I am they are not worth it. Quite often in situations such as being patient you are judged solely on your notes. If a medical person doesn't like you they can write less than favourable information. If a person is judged on their notes alone, they are a mish mash of other peoples opinions on them.
Take a person for how you find them, dont judge them on past mistakes or misfortunes, they are who they are today.
xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you all for commenting. It's always a treasure to find people who can accept us for all our idiosyncrasies. if we are all the same, then life will be boring. So lets not be afraid to be different, no?
Kirst,
it's a relief to see you back! can we groove again in IMVU?
much love,
xoxoxoxo
Good post Odette, it's taken me a long time to be happy with the person I am and if my "friends" or "boyfriend" wanted me to change, then I wouldn't. I am what I am, accept me or move away!
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