Why It's So Important To Be Yourself, Before Anything Else | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why It's So Important To Be Yourself, Before Anything Else

Why be someone else when you can be you?

121
Why It's So Important To Be Yourself, Before Anything Else
Pexels

I used to wear the same purple dress for days and weeks at time.

I would beg my parents to paint my room purple and it was the only color ever painted on my nails. Eventually, when I was 19 I dyed half my hair purple. I got some wacky looks from strangers and unconvincing compliments from my family and friends, but I didn't care because I absolutely loved it, and now I miss it.

I'd say my favorite quality about myself is not being afraid to be myself.

There is this idea of private versus public character. They are perceived as two separate identities. There is a line to be drawn between how you act with your friends and family versus how you act in a workplace or among school peers, however; it becomes a problem when you begin to alter your individuality to fit in with a crowd.

We all have our quirks. We try and keep them concealed to certain people. But we shouldn't- instead we should embrace who we are. Not everyone will like you and not everyone will accept you but if you are able to come to terms with yourself and love yourself you will find your place. There is someone for everyone. Not just romantically but through friendship. We all have a person but you can not find your person if you are not you. They are looking for YOU! Not who you think you should be!

I know growing up in the 21st century is no easy task. I'm doing it too. Society is breathing down our backs molding us into it's ideal person. Simultaneously, it tells us to be unique and different. To me, it sounds like one big contradiction and is shifting us from individualism to collectivism.

For most of us, in high school, it is difficult to comprehend how big the world is. We are confined to classrooms sitting next to the same people for four years and the streets of our neighborhoods which we have walked all of our lives. It is not until you get out of your comfort zone, you can truly understand the beauty of this magnificent, diverse world we live in.

When I first got to college, I was shy because I didn't know anyone and I couldn't seem to find a group of friends like mine. I would wake up, go to school then go home. After a few weeks I was tired of keeping to myself worried what people would think of me. I started to crack my not so funny jokes in class and introduce myself to different people. I was surprised how accepting and willing people were to be my friend despite my quirks. All I had to do was be myself. I didn't try and form myself to them or their likes. I simply showed them who I was and they accepted me for me. I made friends with people I never thought I would be friends with.

All around me I see people trying to impress others to fit in. It's not worth it. There are too many people on this Earth to waste your time and energy trying to be apart of a group in which you are not yourself. It may be intimidating or out of your comfort zone but just give it a try. A moment of bravery could lead to a lifetime of friendship, a lifetime of laughs, a lifetime of memories.

Different makes an impression.

Unique is admired.

You are valued.

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

Pros And Cons Of Having A Birthday Near The Holidays

The truth of what it is like having a birthday around the holiday season.

1346
Christmas decoration
Flickr

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! But for some people, including myself and my Dad, it can have its ups and downs when it comes to having a birthday near and around the holiday season. I personally share a birthday with my Dad two days before Christmas. Yes, Christmas Eve Eve is our birthday. Here are a few pros and cons for having a birthday near the holidays.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Tree Lights
Pixabay

It is that time of year again. Christmastime. It is one of my favorite seasons for a myriad of reasons. Here are just a few reasons why I love Christmas. This list is in no order of importance.

1. The Christmas decorations

I am that person who will decorate directly after Thanksgiving is over. This year, my roommates and I put the tree up in our apartment before we even left for Thanksgiving break. It is a great stress reliever for me to just sit in my living room and work on the huge amount of work I have before the semester is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl with santa hat
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

'Tis the season to be jolly folks, and if you're anything like me, then at the stroke of midnight on Halloween your home went from wicked to winter

Keep Reading...Show less
mistake
Project Eve

Mistakes are something we all make, no matter how old we get. Most of the time, the mistakes we made are little and sometimes due to something out of our control. Yet, there are mistakes that are bigger than others. Personally, I have mistakes that I wish I could go back and undo. Here they are:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

13040
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments