The Beauty Of Being You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Beauty Of Being You

32
The Beauty Of Being You
Ashlea Ayers

When I was in high school, I was very involved in an organization called YoungLife. This organization taught me so much about myself, and loving others and loving Jesus, too.

During my senior year thought, I began to asked myself, "Why do I love YoungLife so much?"

And I have come to the decision that it was not because I loved Jesus or I felt closer to him when I was there, but it was because I fit in when I was doing YoungLife things. A lot of people that do YoungLife love the Lord with all their hearts just like I do, but they love a lot of others things, too, a lot of things that I loved. And they were all just looking for Jesus or something to belong to. We were all just lost.

And that is why I fit in. Because I was just as broken and lost and confused as the whole rest of the lot.

I do not think YoungLife ever made me love Jesus more than I did before, because I learned to love Him more all by myself.

YoungLife made me fit in. I had a group of friends who were generally happy and attractive. People like that are generally well liked and people wanted to be around them. So in turn, people wanted to be around me.

Aren't a lot of things in life like that?

You join a sports team to fit in.

You date a boy or a girl to fit in.

You join a club to fit in.

You get a job so you'll have money so you fit in.

You start partying to fit in.

You do drugs to fit in.

But what is the point?

Why do you try so hard to fit in? What's it worth? What does it add to your life?

Nothing. It adds nothing at all.

Because one day you will look at yourself in the mirror and you will not know who you are. You will not recognize yourself because you tried so hard to fit in. You changed yourself so other people will accept you and will want to be around you.

You fix your hair extra special so that one boy in your math class will notice you. But if he does not notice how beautiful your tangly natural curls are, then he does not deserve to notice you at all.

You dress nicely so that really pretty girl in your class compliments you. But then she does not. And you second guess yourself. You thought your outfit was cute, and you thought she would like it. But she did not. Or she is too vain to admit that you are pretty, and maybe even as pretty as her.

You just keep trying to fit in.

And then you lose yourself.

And at the end of the day, what does all this give you? Adoration? Affirmation?

You fit in, so maybe your friends will like you more.

Let me let you in on a secret. You were not made unique just so you could straighten your beautiful curls to look like everyone else. You were not given a great sense of humor just to hide it for fear of not being funny (because you are beautiful and funny, in case you didn't know).

You are original and special and you are made exactly how you were supposed to be.

Stop trying to change it and just be you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

4257
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

3768
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments