Opinions: can't live with them, can't live without them. Wait, that doesn't sound right. Let me try that again.
Opinions: can't live with them, why the f*** would you want to?
I find it fascinating how we all bring something different to the metaphorical table of life. Yet, sometimes, I feel like a lot of things go unnoticed because of the fear of rejection, misunderstanding, humiliation, and everything else in between.
We are all created to be different, so why not embrace it?
Yes, we may come together in agreement on our favorite color, our favorite singer, what activities we like to do, the shades of our skin, the spirituality we choose to pursue, and any other classifying group we wish to mingle with. Though, for our many similarities, we have a right to the same amount of differences.
It's easy to get swept up in the wave of trends, and there is nothing wrong with that; it's how humans live. We psychologically tend to follow lots of trends without realizing it. Just don't lose yourself in the opinions and viewpoints of what others think of you or want for you.
That is an easy hole to fall into as well. No one really wants to cause a massive rift in their relationships with others or society, but sometimes, you have to know that you are still an individual.
Now, there is a difference in taking someone's advice and being controlled by their opinions. If you ask for advice and it coincides with what you need and want in life at that moment then, by all means, listen to them and see if it works!
If you are trying to communicate your viewpoints with someone and they don't agree, then they tell you what to do based on what they want for you. That's not healthy for you. Also, it's not good for them to just try and control the situation, even if they think they're helping, not realizing they're just controlling.
This can be the hardest thing to get away from, especially if what's controlling you is someone or thing that's close to you. At the end of the day, not one of us shares the same fingerprint. You're not the same as your friend, sister, dad, second cousin, grandmother, Oprah, or the kid next door. Why would you live your life through the lens of another?
There comes a time in everyone's life when they need to decide and find who they are for themselves, even if they must go against the norm or if they must follow society. Everyone's path is different. People learn and grow in different ways.
Sometimes, it can be hard to accept that you must change and grow, cut ties and maybe one day build a bridge back. Agree to disagree, but it is always a part of learning what resonates with you in your life.
Don't be afraid to ask advice if you need it. Just also learn to listen to yourself, your body, mind, and spirit. In the end, do what you feel is right for you. If that doesn't work out, then ask yourself what went wrong, analyze the situation, and try to do better next time. But always listen to yourself first.
You are enough, and everything you want, or need, is available to you.