Sometimes it seems like real, authentic people are hard to come by.
It’s human nature to want to be accepted by others, but you have to consider the costs. Do you want to be accepted as something or someone you are not, or as your true self? Social media has corrupted us in more ways than one. It seems now, more than ever, we find ourselves surrounded by narcissistic dillholes who are only looking out for themselves; ready to crush anyone who doesn’t fit into rigid and rather ridiculous standards set by the dillholes themselves.
I grew up with people like that. I went to high school with the lot of them and every day was a battle. Rather than spending the time to get to know myself, I survived high school by shapeshifting into whatever ‘outcast clique’ I found myself around that particular semester.
No, I was never popular – I was the foul-mouthed emo kid with the hard exterior who only ever showed one emotion in public: Anger. In reality, I was a softy, who silent-cried between classes, in a bathroom stall, because people bullied me, relentlessly. I just wanted to survive, and being myself seemed to be too much of a risk. Ironically, my disdain for fake people was most likely a reflection of how much I hated myself for being a human chameleon.
All I wanted was acceptance and kindness, but I never stopped to think that I should have been kind and accept my own self, first. I’ve been working on this for a long time now. Today, I recognize that I have one life to live, and it’s my own. I surround myself with the people who lift me up and bring me joy. Even in my pursuit to become an established blogger, there is never time to waste mulling over the irrelevant opinions of strangers. (And believe me, strangers have opinions.)
In order to be the raw / real you, there are a few things you’ll have to understand:
Stop letting the opinions of others bend you and break you.
We all have our own perceptions of reality, but never confuse opinion with fact. Facts remain unchanged, but opinions can be malleable. Stand up tall and stop worrying about what other people think of you. If opinions are what you seek, ask the people who best know you and your efforts.
Never waste time on negativity.
Honestly, negativity is just a black hole of shit you don’t have time for. Don’t get caught up in it. Positivity is your fuel, and that fire in your soul is strong and fearless.
Don’t hide your emotions.
If you’re a sensitive person, like me, hiding emotions and feelings only bring you misery. What is beautiful about being human is our vast range of complex emotions. Not all of us share our emotions the same way but always be truthful and authentic.
Be more open-minded.
No one likes feeling judged, especially for actions regrettably committed. Don’t be so quick to point your finger. Accept people for who they are, flaws and all. You’re not perfect either.
No more hiding. No more running. Live YOUR life.
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