I wish I got paid to be called ''naïve." I would have a heck of a lot of money, and all I would have to do is be myself – too bad it is almost never a compliment.
Why is being naïve such a bad thing? This is a question that I have asked myself frequently, I have gone so far to get angry at myself for being so naïve – and that’s not fair. I shouldn’t be mad at myself for, well, being me.
There are moments that I want to rid myself of naivety, while there are other moments that I want to cling to it. When I give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t assume anything of them – those are moments that I want to strengthen my hold on naivety. But, when I am spoke down to for believing in the good in people – that’s when I feel as though my naivety is this wrong, corrupt trait.
My frustrations with my naivety sometimes hit me hard. I have thoughts rushing through my head, such as: “What’s wrong with me?” “People must think that I am so stupid for believing and doing what I did.” “Why am I so childish?” And if you have ever had the experience of being called naïve, you may be able to relate to the immediate stomach-sinking feeling of, “How?”
I am working on banishing this reaction. I am working on embracing when I have naïve moments – because, usually, when I have these moments, it is when I believe in the best. Complete optimism, withholding of apprehensions and judgements. It is when I have hope, it is when I feel pure.
With that, I say: naivety is all that you make it! Your interpretations, your perceptions, your beliefs. I am coming to terms with my naivety. I am not stupid or ignorant to everything – some things, yes, but definitely not all. Also, my naivety can be beneficial and wonderful to have. This is because I’m not looking at the world or listening to the rules like the majority of society. I can see things in different ways, with innocent, unknowing eyes. Because of this, I see the world in such a beautiful, magical way. I don’t feel jaded or angry. I feel so much more this way; I feel so free – I am not weighted down.
Though people view naivety as a terrible trait to have – it is important for you to understand that naivety is not inherently bad. You can grow out of naivety, but you can hold onto the optimism that comes with it. With knowledge does come power, but it also brings a little bit of weight (dependent on what you experience), and it is powerful to be able to face bad circumstances, and still be able to be positive. Take chances, don’t let others define you – you define yourself. Appreciate yourself.
