In any groups nowadays, it’s not the most beautiful who gets the most respect in the long run. It’s not the person who always wear nice clothing and who is always prep from head to toe, who gets other people captivated. Yes! Maybe, in the beginning. During the first meetings, when these people take a first glance at each other, it’s usually the most physically attractive who gets most of the attention.

But, in the long run, the people who stand out are those who are honest and true to themselves. These are the people who are not afraid to make mistakes and who are not afraid to voice out their opinions about things and their preferences over matters. These are the people we can consider “bold” enough to take on things. These people consider what they think is best for a certain situation instead of always thinking what others might say. I truly am easily impressed with these type of people. They show their individuality without fear of being judged or being rejected. They don’t care if they are “right”, as long as they get to voice out their opinions and what they truly want.

Too many people nowadays, are hiding in their shells. Too focused on themselves and their faults. Too afraid to be honest for fear of being corrected, of being laughed at, of being rejected.
For a few years, since our family issues and us having to be controlled by relatives who fed us and allowed us to go to school started to dominate our lives, I lived this kind of life. Until, it came to a point, when I no longer know who I am.

Now, I have reclaimed my power over my self and over my life, and I’m not letting any person, do the same thing to me again or to any of my loved ones. Never again! I promise to be my own person and to always go after what I believe is right for me. I will no longer allow myself to be controlled by anybody. I am still working on being my authentic self day in and day out. Sometimes, the fear and shyness goes back, but I always push myself and remind myself that there is no greater tragedy in life, than living a life not of my own.

After all, the cliche goes “JUST BE YOURSELF.”

Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempts to display qualities which he does not possess, and to gain applause which he cannot keep.  ~Samuel Johnson, The Rambler, 1750