A small community has the power to weave a variety of different personalities. Humans crave interaction which makes forming relationships that much more important. Falling into a pattern of seeing the same people can cause a major slump. Getting used to a tight knit circle can suffocate or even hinder growth as an individual. Is sacrificing individuality worth drowning into society? Learning to wear a genuine skin places you one stroke ahead from the school behind you. Become the big fish in order to stand out in a small pond. Through years of redefining and soul searching; I have uncovered a few important pieces that have encouraged me to be as authentic as human nature allows.

1. Draw Lines

Setting standards for yourself before entering a situation can be a great tool to staying true to one's beliefs. Holding yourself to an attainable lifestyle promotes honesty with oneself when placed in a challenging moment. Ask yourself what you are willing to do and how hard you are willing to work toward living an honest and authentic lifestyle. Drawing lines is the first step to attaining the " Big Fish" status.

2. Be Consistent

Holding yourself accountable in a social setting is key to maintaining the lines you have drawn. Once you have chosen a lifestyle, stick with it. No one respects a liar, but more importantly you should want more for yourself. Allowing yourself to fall every once in awhile is okay, but only if you muster the strength to get back up and keep on swimming. For it is with lines and consistency that we can begin to hold ourselves to a higher level.

3. You Owe Yourself Respect

As humans we possess many qualities; both positive and negative. Unfortunately, we tend to focus most on what we wish we could change. Take account all that you are capable of and allow that to define your character. Use your strengths to overpower your weakness, in turn you will find yourself a happier person. As well as happiness, your true identity will begin to shine through with the lines you have drawn and the consistency of your character. After all, you are unique and you owe yourself respect.

4. Confidence Is Healing

Gaining self- confidence is empowering. Remember that mistakes stem from our natural inclination to sin. Humans are born flawed. Acknowledge your choices, take the consequences, and move forward. Do not allow your past to keep you from attaining your future. Hold your head up by drawing lines, living with consistency, and respecting yourself. A confident attitude can heal any self- doubt that may linger within your heart.

5. Accept That You Will Not Fit In

Not everyone will have the exact same opinion nor come from the same environment. Having different back stories supports that each person will have different ideals. To stand out you do not have to look, think, or act like everyone else. As human beings we are given different desires, physiques, and talents. We were made to stand out. Surrendering to the identity of the person to the left of you places you in the background. You become the product of your neighbor- forcing yourself to be stripped of any qualities unique to only you. Not one person needs to be like another. Accept that you will not fit in.

6. A Humble Person Inspires

Recognizing your greatness and being confident is an accomplishment. It is just as important to keep a level head throughout your journey toward authenticity. Knowing that every person deserves the feeling of the "Big Fish," be conscious of how you treat others. Not everyone has reached the realization that an authentic life can fulfill our desires. A humble person inspires.

Redirecting a thought process is not easy. It took me years to figure it out. After crossing lines and learning to hold myself accountable, I finally learned to respect myself. 20 years worth of mistakes were finally healed through the confidence I gained by accepting that I would never fit in. You too can feel like a big fish, weather in this great big world, or within the depths of your small pond. Only you hold the power to thrive.