In a world where social media rules, it is easy to get caught up in what everybody else is doing. We are constantly bombarded with pictures and videos of people we “know” doing amazing things. We quickly assume that the grass is always greener on the other side. But what we sometimes forget to remember is that everyone's path in life is different. Some people may reach different milestones before you, but that does not mean you aren't on the right track. Everyone's journey is different and to me, that is what makes life so special.
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” It may seem pretty obvious but we tend forget that our strength lies in the fact that we are completely unique from everyone else in the world. Of course, we may share the same interests, hobbies, or view as other people, but our personalities are all one of a kind. Many people get caught up in trying to be “cool” - we've all been there, but instead of doing what you think other people want from you, try doing what you want to do. Being yourself requires loving yourself and knowing that you are enough, and having the freedom to be yourself is extremely empowering.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” In the digital age, it is common to believe that if you have the perfect body or the perfect job, then you must have the perfect life. Seeing pictures of our peers' success often leads us to question our own lives. It's important to remember that everyone's life is different, and more often than not, many people are only showing the happy moments of their life, leaving out the daily struggles that we all deal with. Just because someone got ahead in life does not mean you are behind. As I said earlier, everyone's journey in life is different. Comparing yourself with others allows you to forget the beautiful things happening in your own life. While wishing we had a different life, we miss out on actually living our life.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” With nonstop advertisements in the media, we are taught – without realizing – what the perfect person is and how to achieve the ideal life. Ads make us feel we need more to be more. By being ourselves and living life the way we want, we are achieving true freedom. This doesn't mean being an a**hole to others, but being able to express our true identities and interests is a way for us to feel alive and comfortable in our own skin. Following the crowd might not be the best choice, but walking alone is usually the way to find out who you truly are.
We are only given one life, so why would you want yours to be the same as someone else? It is our responsibility to make the most of our lives and no one else can do it for us but ourselves. Individuality is always a strength and without it, life would be pretty boring. Don't be afraid to be you, whoever that may be.
