I can imagine what you’re thinking, or the lack thereof.
Perhaps this absence in thought correlates with you not being offered the opportunity to express your opinions, or even worse, being submerged beneath the doctrine of those who consider themselves superior.
Whether this doctrine be upheld by authoritative figures, family members, your “friends,” or even yourself, I am here to tell you this:
You must be the change you wish to see in your life.
Oftentimes, change is both a reactant and a product of heightened self-efficacy. However, for many individuals, especially those with Anxiety, self-efficacy is fluctuant in nature. Therefore, consistency in standing up for what and who you believe in falls victim to the predation of menacing insecurities.
Similarly, I was once consumed by my own insecurities in that they determined how I reacted to certain situations. Unfortunately, these reactions failed to reflect authentic ideology. Suppressed by the pretentious dispositions of those around me, I neglected my own in fear of belittlement. In order to appease their depreciative frame of mind, I, as a result, masked the identity which coveted the profundity of my soul.
That is, until the day I spoke up.
And, as I anticipated, no one appeared to be a fan.
Actually, allow me to provide a degree of clarification: those who perceived my newfound sense of confidence as a threat to their once sustained doctrine were not a fan. However, those who genuinely care about my happiness and overall well-being were (and still are) intrigued by the vocalized form of self-confidence I now possess.
As we embark upon the final weeks of this semester, I find myself surrounded by a Change of Major form, cardboard moving boxes, and, most importantly, a caring boyfriend who would gladly carry them for me. Every aspect of my life has changed throughout the duration of this semester; however, I am confident that such change is necessary in terms of development.
In the event that I failed to perpetuate this change in direction, I would have ended up where I was heading: failing to voice my profoundly crafted opinions in the presence of those who promote toxicity. In fact, if it wasn’t for this newfound sense of confidence, I wouldn’t be writing this article.
Therefore, to the girl who is considering severing ties with those whose values misalign from her own: do it.
To the boy who is struggling with acceptance: never change on behalf of others, change on behalf of yourself.
To the college student whose friends disapprove of her boyfriend: love him, and then love him some more.
And lastly, to the person who is searching for change: look within, because you never know what you may find.
