BE YOURSELF

Be Yourself: The Power of Being Who You Are

In a world filled with trends, social media pressures, and constant comparisons, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are. Many of us grow up thinking we need to change parts of ourselves to be accepted, to belong, or to feel valued. But the truth is simple: you don’t need to change who you are to fit in. You are unique, and that’s your greatest strength.

The journey of staying true to yourself is not always easy, but it’s worth it. Embracing your individuality and standing firm in who you are will bring you peace, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment that no amount of external validation can replace.

Why Do We Feel the Need to Change?

As children, we start out being unapologetically ourselves. But as we grow older, societal pressures, the need for acceptance, and the fear of judgment begin to creep in. Maybe it’s a comment from a friend about the way you dress or a trend that makes you feel like you’re not enough unless you follow it. Slowly, you start to believe that you need to change to be liked or accepted.

This pressure to conform can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. But here’s the thing: when you try to mold yourself into someone else’s idea of “perfect,” you lose the magic that makes you unique.

The Lesson from Roger Shunk

This reminds me of a story called “Should Mommy Hit the Wizard?” by John Updike. In the story, Roger Shunk, a skunk, feels rejected because of his natural skunk smell. The other animals don’t want to play with him, and Roger begins to believe that he isn’t good enough as he is. Desperate for acceptance, he visits a wizard and asks to smell like roses.

At first, everything seems perfect. The other animals now want to be around Roger. He feels liked and included. But when Roger’s mother finds out, she’s furious. She takes him back to the wizard to undo the change. She believes Roger’s natural smell is part of who he is, and he shouldn’t have to change it to make others happy.

Roger’s story is a powerful reminder that altering who you are for others might bring short-term approval, but it won’t lead to genuine happiness. True acceptance comes from people who value you for who you are—not for who you pretend to be.

Why Being Yourself Matters

The world doesn’t need more people who try to fit in; it needs people who dare to stand out. Your thoughts, talents, personality, and quirks are what make you special. They set you apart from everyone else. If you spend your life trying to be someone you’re not, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to truly shine.

When you embrace your true self, you open the door to meaningful relationships and opportunities. The people who are meant to be in your life will love and respect you for who you are. The opportunities that align with your authentic self will find their way to you.

The Dangers of Changing for Others

It’s tempting to believe that changing yourself will make life easier. After all, Roger Shunk initially felt happier when he smelled like roses. But here’s the problem: when you change yourself to fit in, the acceptance you receive isn’t real. It’s based on a version of you that isn’t authentic.

Over time, this can lead to feelings of emptiness and regret. You might wake up one day and realize that you don’t even recognize yourself anymore. That’s why it’s so important to stay true to who you are.

Being yourself is a journey, not a destination. It requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace your imperfections. Here are some tips to help you stay true to yourself:

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness

Your differences are what make you extraordinary. Whether it’s your personality, talents, or quirks, celebrate them. Don’t be afraid to stand out—your uniqueness is your superpower.

2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Everyone is on their own journey. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to frustration and self-doubt. Focus on your path and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.

3. Know Your Worth

You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. The right people will appreciate you for who you are, not for who you’re trying to be. Remind yourself daily that you are enough.

4. Chase Your Dreams

Follow your passions, even if they don’t align with what others expect of you. Pursuing what you love will bring you happiness and fulfillment.

5. Learn from Challenges

Life isn’t always easy, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Embrace the lessons that come with difficult moments, and use them to become a stronger, more authentic version of yourself.

6. Choose Authenticity Over Popularity

It might feel rewarding to gain approval from others in the moment, but popularity fades. Authenticity, on the other hand, will bring lasting happiness and peace.

Be an Inspiration

When you embrace who you truly are, you inspire others to do the same. Your confidence and authenticity can be a light for those who are struggling to find their own path. By being yourself, you show others that it’s okay to be different, to have flaws, and to stand out.

Think about Roger Shunk’s story. His decision to return to his natural self may not have made him popular with everyone, but it allowed him to be true to who he was. And in the end, that’s what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Being yourself is not always easy, especially in a world that constantly tells you to change. But remember, the world doesn’t need more copies—it needs originals. Your true self is your greatest gift. Don’t hide it.

So, take a lesson from Roger Shunk: don’t trade your identity for temporary approval. Be proud of who you are, quirks and all. The right people will love and respect you for it.

At the end of the day, your authenticity is your superpower. Use it wisely, and don’t let anyone dim your light. The world is waiting for the real YOU.