When is the last time you looked at yourself in the mirror upon waking, and truly appreciated what was staring back at you? Why is it considered second nature for a girl to cover herself up with assorted powders and creams? Why is it that men feel they are prohibited from crying, even in the appropriate setting, for fear they will be ridiculed? The main question I have is simply why are we afraid of who we are?
First, let us look at the homosexual community. “Coming out of the closet” is a big moment for any gay man or lesbian. Sadly, a lot of them never get the opportunity to do so because a majority in our society make such a big deal about homosexuals. For the individuals who have the courage to tell friends and family this news, it takes a lot of weight off their back. Once they “come out,” some people give them a hard time about it, but consider this. Think of those who are giving them a hard time, and think of the man/woman who has come out. Generally the one that came out is much happier than the person picking on them, and why is that? Because they are being who they truly are. There is not a greater feeling then being yourself. No acting, no false images to uphold, no worries.
People assume they are not good enough. Our country has an obsession with celebrities. We take these individuals with star status and we put them on a pedestal. These celebrities are no different than you or I. The only thing that separates them from the rest of us is how much we all admire them and want to be just like them. One of the most beautiful gifts we have is that we are all different. There is no other person in this world like you.
Imagine yourself when you are with your family and closest friends. Now imagine yourself with a crowd you are not as familiar with. Do you act differently? Are you conservative when normally you are an aggressive personality? Do you stop yourself from cracking a joke, or making a comment you normally would around those you are more comfortable with? If these are the type of things you do, it needs to stop. These are ways people mask their true selves. If you make a joke and it doesn’t get a laugh, keep trying. At least this way people know who you really are, and eventually you will get laughs.
Never be afraid of who you are. Don’t strive to be like somebody you see in a movie or football game. You will never be them, and they will never be you. To imitate somebody else is not only a waste of your time, but at the end of the day, it won’t make you happy. My advice to anybody reading this is simple. Strive to be the best possible version of yourself, and you will find out, just like in the movies, there is always a happy ending to be found.