As we grow up, we feel a burning desire to belong – that is natural. We may have begun to put on a facade and rejected our unique individuality in order to assimilate to societal expectations. However, to what extent are we willing to change about ourselves in order to feel accepted?
I was that girl in high school. As a migrant from the Philippines, I was ashamed of my style and fobby accent. Before high school began, I promised myself that I would do anything it takes to fit in with the "cool" kids – whatever that meant.
As such, I changed my style to keep up with the latest trend, experimented with makeup, embarked on a healthy diet and rigorous exercise routine to maintain my slender figure, participated in various clubs to meet new friends, and studied hard to not only acquire knowledge and achieve good grades but also to eradicate my fobby accent.
If you're already somebody who's feeling different, you'll do everything in your power to fix it because children will do everything in their power to fit in and assimilate.
There was an extent to how much I was willing to change about myself and activities I did not mind trying for the experience.
Do Not Change Yourself; Improve Yourself
I never did drugs, smoked cigarettes, and drank alcohol. Sure, I wanted to change certain characteristics about myself to fit in with the American kids, but I still very much cared about my well-being and future. To me, "cool" kids was synonymous to "kids-with-a-future." I am strong-willed, so I knew what was good for me and my future and what was bad that could ruin me for the rest of my life.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Do I regret my decisions in high school? Not one bit. I was able to improve my lifestyle and fashion style, eradicated my fobby accent, expanded my English vocabulary, developed lifelong friendships, and got accepted to one of the best public universities.
I did not necessarily change myself — I improved myself.
The Final Frontier
I understood the whole "do not change yourself" idea, in which I still try to apply in my life today. I prevent myself from interacting with those who do not contribute to my personal growth.
The conclusion bears repeating: Do not try to change yourself — you are unlikely to succeed. But work hard to improve the way you perform.
Do not change yourself. Never apologize for who you are. Rather, improve your strengths. We all live in a world that tries to turn us into something we are not. As such, society establishes standards about how we should look and behave. If societal expectations cause you to be unhappy and are against your morals, then do not adjust yourself.
The more clearly you recognize who you do not want to be, then, the clearer your sense of identity and purpose will be.
I hope you enjoyed my blog. Have a MEGA AWESOME day! 😎
Outfit Details
👚 Top: Charlotte Russe 👖 Bottom: Charlotte Russe 🧣 Scarf: Forever 21 🧥 Coat: H&M