Stop Compromising Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Stop Compromising Yourself

Living in Freedom

135
Stop Compromising Yourself

The world is filled with topics that no one speaks about. Subjects that make people feel uncomfortable, convicted, guilty, or sad. So, these things are neglected, and seem to only get worse. I have never been the person to hold my tongue--even though in many situations, I know that I should have. I say things that some people are uncomfortable with, because I know that they need to be said. This is what I want to do not only in everyday conversation, but also in my articles.

The world is also filled with people who are hurting, who compromise themselves, and who settle for the easy parts of life because they do not believe they deserve more. By the easy parts of life, I mean that they do not stand up for themselves. They do not go out and grab what they deserve, they settle for what is in front of them, even if it hurts them. This does not happen to everyone, but it does happen to more people than I would like. They stay in abusive, hurtful, or negative situations, when they could be living life in freedom and fullness.

This is what I want to say to these beautiful people: you deserve more. You have the power to change things, even if you feel like you do not. What others do does not reflect you--it is a reflection of themselves. They live in their own world, and you have the power to not let that affect you in a negative way. You can change your life, even if you think you cannot. You can change your way of thinking, your actions, and your views. You can show love and respect to yourself.

Here there arises another issue: it is not easy. Actually, it is the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. But you cannot give up on it. It's like learning guitar: at first, you may feel as though you will never sound good and the strings may hurt your fingers. But after a while, you can transition from chord to chord smoothly and your callouses are built up. But, you cannot achieve that without practicing again and again, no matter how many times you mess up. And you will mess up a lot--I promise. But, you will also do the right thing a lot. Change does not happen overnight, it happens in many small moments.

I recently heard a wonderful illustration: a thermometer measures the temperature of the room, and varies according to that temperature. But, a thermostat controls the temperature of the room, and is not affected by outside influences. Which one do you want to be? It starts with one big decision, and millions of little choices after that. YOU get to choose where you go, what you do, what you say, what you participate in, and ultimately, how you live.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

379
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments