Stay True to You!

Be yourself, no one can ever tell you you're doing it wrong."   -James Leo Herlihy

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Society is a puzzle and we are all pieces. As pieces, we have our own individual curves, colors, and edges.  We have a particular place to be in order to make the picture beautiful.  If we try to change our individuality and stick ourselves in the wrong place the end result will be hideous.

Many teenagers want to "fit in" and that is okay as long as you aren't fitting into the wrong place.  It becomes a problem when you put on a facade.  With so many different influences around, it's easy for teens to soak up certain ideas, styles, or ways.  I am guilty of changing myself for friends.  

I made three friends with completely different personalities.  Friend A had a negative outlook on life, friend B was very shy, and friend C had opinions different than mine.  As I got to know each of these people a little more, I formed habits similar to their's.  Whenever I was around friend A, I would have a bad mood.  Nothing seemed to go right so I complained a lot.  If I was with friend B, we'd stand separated from everyone else. We never volunteered or participated.  Before meeting friend C, I stuck to my own opinions.  Once I got to know her, I changed my opinions of things simply so she would be pleased.  My brain was drained after changing myself to meet their needs on a daily basis.  When I would hangout with all three of them at once I would completely shut down. I didn't know how to act.  Eventually, I realized that my body couldn't take the mental and emotional toll.  I decided to be myself around each one of them and see their reactions.  It turns out that they all respect my individuality.  As I've met more people I've learned that the right people will draw closer to the real you. I didn't always agree with everyone I met and that's fine. The people that were supposed to stay are still here today. 

You do not have to change yourself for others or change to fit in. If you stay true to you, the right people will come your way.  On a planet with people who strive to be the same, individuality is the step forward.  You can be something more than what the majority expects you to be. You were created to do great things and you have a specific mission that no one else can accomplish.  Being yourself, embracing your uniqueness, and holding on to self-love will bring great people and success into your life. 

Sending out positive vibes, I hope that you all have a wonderful week.  I'll give you an easy challenge; be yourself!  No one else can do it and you do it best!  


By Kaci Hollingsworth