In today's world, it's very clear and evident that our perceptions and the way we see things are currently shaped by trends, social media , and societal expectations, this now makes it very hard to be original about ourselves.
In order to try to fit in a place that was not actually meant for us , we tend to compare ourselves with others. But if I will be sincere with you guys , I can tell you that the most grateful thing you can do for yourself is to be the original version of yourself, don't copy other people.
As a kid growing up in the streets of Nigeria ,I was wired in such a way that I tend to seek validation and approval from people around me , be it friends , family ,loved ones and even the society at large. As time went in , the fear of rejection and judgement started taking its toll on me, this moved me towards hiding some part of me in other to be accepted.
I spoke less about my interest, did things just to be liked by others and even adjusted my interest but at the end , it got me nothing but exhaustion and disconnected me from the original version of myself.
Embracing who you are brings out the original version of yourself thereby attracting the right people to you, those who will love you for who you are.
Due to the less energy wasting in trying to become who you are not, it allows you more time to unlock your full potential, thereby improving your confidence.
I know that some of us might be trapped in this mess or maybe knows someone that does, I am happy to be able to share with you guys how I was able to overcome this.
The first step is to accept yourself for who you are . Everything about you is unique, but your strength and weakness are very unique to you which makes you special. Don't try to hide them but embrace them.
We are humans, so once in a while we might be tempted to seek approval but don't be obsessed with it that you allow it to dictate your choice.
It is common for you to miss understood by people around you , but that is ok. Being at peace with yourself is what matters.
Choose only things that matters with your values , the society you find yourself might try to give you another definition of life , success , lifestyles or careers, if they don't align with your true values , it doesn't matter.
Whoever told you that your opinions doesn't matter is a liar , your thoughts, opinion , and emotions are very much valid.
Even if your opinions is against the norms, don't be afraid to express it. Originality is needed more than conformity in the world we find ourselves today.
The habit of always comparing yourself with others is a never ending battle because every point in time, you will always see people that are better than you.
Focus on your journey and growth and don't measure your progress based on the journey of other people.
What I am trying to say is that the life we live is too short, let us not waste it trying to be someone else. The best version of an individual is the original and authentic version of themselves, just like every thing about yourself is unique, your journey in this life is also unique.
This is my entry for Hive Naija Weekly Prompts Edition 83.
