Often, I wonder what is means to just be yourself. People always say that, but what does it really entail? If you are going for an interview, they say relax and just be yourself, going to meet his parents for the first time, relax and just be yourself, going on a first date or joining a group, school, work etc, they say just be yourself. It has been used too many a time that it has become a cliche. So today, I would like to share with you, my perception on being yourself or rather, myself.
One thing i have learned over the years, is that people would always complain about any and everything you do. Its natural. You cannot be loved by everybody no matter how much you try, and also, everyone cannot hate you, no matter how bad you might seem. So when asked to be yourself, endeavour to show the stuff you are made of, the way God created you. Due to circumstances of life, we tend to develop certain characteristics that may not go down well with other individuals, we tend to hide behind unseemly behaviors and act out on others in other to protect ourselves, but with time, these becomes part of our weaknesses and we realize that it not only brings us down and dampens our mood, but also everyone that comes in contact with us. We all have issues and the best we can do for us, is to work on those issues(weaknesses) and turn them into strengths, learning from our mistakes and becoming positive individuals that impacts positively into any person we come across.But when trying to be strong, please try to be as humble as you can be, remember pride goes before a fall.
Knowing your temperament also helps in being yourself. Realize what you are and what you are not, distinguish yourself from others and do not try to copy or be like someone else. A photocopy my dear will never be like the original, they might look alike, but a fake is a fake and people would see through you. God has created every individual beautiful and wonderful, with their own golden attributes that is unique, so instead of trying hard to copy someone's uniqueness, why don't you work on, develop yourself and be an inspiration to others.
An introvert should not try to be like the extrovert, because you are simply not. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert and people actually admire you, although it might not seem so, but they do. All you have to do is work on your shyness because most introverts are shy( do not let it become a weakness). I know because I am an introvert. I prefer being quite and observant, rather than talk nonstop. Its natural for me but that does not mean I'm shy or boring, i can strike up an interesting conversation and actually discuss for a long period of time, but this does not happen often.
To the extrovert, please be the active talker and lively person that you are, the world actually needs you to be happy and filled with laughter, but always remember to know your limit and do not over talk or you might end up saying things that are inappropriate or offensive unintentionally.
At the end of the day, I think being yourself, is being the way God has created you to be, knowing your temperament and working with it. Using your strenght to positively affect the society and acknowledging your weakness and working on it to live a healthy and happy life. Not giving in to peer pressure, and doing what is right in God's eye even when everyone around you thinks otherwise.
Thank you for reading, I love you.
