HOW DO I REMAIN AUTHENTIC AND YET GET ALONG WITH OTHERS

 

The chameleon changes its color to merge with its surroundings to protect itself. Do we have to change our very nature to be accepted by the world? The judging world will judge and move on… Should the opinion of the world bother us? Should we not move on? Why should we confine to the definition of the world? Growing up years are the most fascinating years of our life. Friendships are cultivated when we are still in school. A crucial lesson that we have to learn early in life is to learn to accept who we are. Else we will be projecting who we are not. Acting or pretending drains us of our energy. We are all the time waiting for the world to endorse us and accept us, as peer acceptance is so important to us. 

When the boy entered college, he made new friends and was excited about it. But, his happiness was short lived. Apart from the fun they had in the college canteen, he slowly realized that their enjoyment extended beyond the canteen. They were all enjoying the unmonitored freedom and indulged in smoking and drinking. Since his upbringing did not permit him to resort to such a life, he refrained. Hence, he was kept away from all the get-togethers. He was not invited to any. He had to walk alone and be right. He did not wish to change himself to be accepted by his friends. It needed immense courage to do that.

This holds good for adults too. Some of us change our personality to gain friends. To pass the judgement of the world. We reach a stage where we no more know who we are.  FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, makes us indulgent. You don’t have to indulge in what others do, if your value system does not permit you to. We must have standpoints in life, else, we will fall for everything in life. The world will ultimately adapt to us, without we having to forego any of our positive qualities and values which determine our strength.

The greatest challenge is to remain authentic and yet connect with the world.

1.Accept yourself for who you are. Don’t put on a mask.

2. Build a healthy self-image

3. Set boundaries and walk away from situations that are toxic

4. Make decisions which align with your values.

5. Be yourself always and take pride in it!

                       “It has taken all your life to become You.

                        Now, to impress someone

                       Don’t try to become someone else

                       Protect the YOU in you.”

 

#Thoughtfulthursdays #nsn #nsnschool #mentoring #parenting