In today’s world, it is easy to become vulnerable to all that is new and trending. We become so enthralled with all the new clothing lines, or shoes, and even makeup and hairstyles. We become so obsessed with this idea of being just like everyone else, enough so that we lose our true selves in the process. We sit on our phones, in front of the TV, and even in front of our computers day in and day out, constantly wishing we looked just others, rather than seeing our own true beauty.

We obsess over being just like everyone else. We obsess over the tall, thin and beautiful women in the magazines, striving to be just like them. We obsess over looking the best, not for ourselves, but for everyone else. We obsess over having the newest clothes and hairstyles in order to “compete” with everyone around us. We obsess over fitting in, being a part of the crowd, rather than standing out. We obsess over perfection. But what entirely entails perfection? Is it having the newest clothes, shoes or hairstyles? Is it driving the nicest car? Is it being just like the women in the magazines? The truth of the matter is that perfection does not exist, and the sooner we realize this, the better off we are.

We become so caught up on the idea of fitting in with everyone else, because we are afraid of what everyone will think if we don’t. We’re afraid of standing outside the crowd looking in, because we would rather be standing inside the crowd looking out. We’re afraid of making decisions because we worry about what others will think. We’re afraid to be different. We’re afraid to be ourselves. But why? Why are we so adamant about fitting in, when we were born to stand out? Each and every one of us is different, and that’s what makes us who we are. Too often, we struggle with finding ourselves in a world that expects us to be something we’re not.

I say this with an open heart, because I fall easy to peer pressure, and understand the difficulty in trying to stand out in a world that tries so hard to make us stand in. But throughout my experiences in life this far, I have come to truly accept and understand the importance of asserting your own independence, and being yourself no matter what. I spent a good majority of my life following in the footsteps of others. I cast myself in a shadow behind everyone else because I was too afraid to stand out and be different. But the truth of the matter is that if someone does not like or appreciate you just the way you are, then they serve no purpose in your life. Those who are meant to be a part of our lives will accept you, good and bad, flaws and all.

Do not be afraid to step out from behind the shadows of everyone else and show the world your true beauty. Learn to love yourself the way you are; you are more special than you will ever know. And as a wise soul once said, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself.”