A challenge that has faced a lot of people is the desire to feel belonged. As humans, there is this natural feeling that makes you to want to be accepted, appreciated, and loved. This is part of the reasons why people want to have friends who support them, support their dreams, act as companions, and make them not to feel alone. However, in the quest not to feel alone, a lot of people have companied with the people who lead them away from their values, goals, principles, and destiny. What they fail to understand is that it is far better to walk in the right direction even if you are walking alone than to walk with the crowd in the wrong direction.
Image from Pexels
You have to understand that not everyone who walks with you have your best interest at heart. As a matter of fact, some people will only encourage you to take decisions that will only bring temporary pleasure, but with long-term consequences. Other people may also pressure you to compromise your integrity, compromise your values and principles, abandon your dreams, and do what will contradict what you stand for. When you notice this, then you have to make a choice and take a stand on what to follow. If to follow the crowd and only gain acceptance, or if to stand alone and protect your values and your principles.
It is worthy to note that your values, and what you stand for are more important than popularity. Popularity might feel good, but it might just be for the moment. However, the consequences of your actions can live with you eternally. This is the reason why you should not sacrifice your core values because you want to gain acceptance from the people who will not even be there for you when you begin to experience the consequences of your actions. If you have a friend that always encourages dishonesty, criminality, bad behaviours, and other vices, then you need the courage to stay away from them. Sometimes, the best statement to make is the courage to stand apart and not join them.
Image from Pexels
There are times that you will discover that loneliness is far better than losing yourself. There is a point when choosing the right path will leave you feeling lonely. People may even misunderstand you, criticise your decisions, or begin to draw away from you simply because you refuse to follow after their ways. But you should not allow the fear of being lonely to force you into following the wrong company. You have to understand that being alone does not mean that you are a failure. As a matter of fact, solitude can help you to understand yourself better, and can also help you to discover your true purpose, and develop the strength that is needed to pursue after your goals. You can easily recover from a season of loneliness, but it may not be that easy to recover from the consequences of a wrong actions. So beware.
You need to also know that your environment and the people you stay with often can influence your future. When you spend time with people, they can influence your habits, ambitions, thinking, and decisions. When you realise that someone's presence in your life has not given you the room to grow or develop yourself, then there may not be any need continuing with them. You should always choose the relationship that will challenge you to grow and become a better version of yourself. Walk with the people who respect your values and your decisions, who will encourage you to take good steps, and who will celebrate your achievements without feeling threatened by them. If you do not see such people immediately, then do not be afraid to walk alone until you find meaningful connection.
You are not to stay submerged under anyone's shadows in life, and you are not to compete against anyone. Your journey is unique, and that is why your decisions should reflect your values, not the expectations of others. When you stand for what is right and people leave you, you did not actually lose them, rather you have discovered who truly respects you. People may criticise you for what you believe in, but as long as you do what is right and uphold your values, then you do not have to be scared of standing alone.
Thanks for reading