Be true to yourself

A tough one, as a lot of people out of fear to be different or fear of being rejected convert themselves to the opinions, likes, dislikes, actions and non-actions of the others. In order to belong many people abandon themselves to fit in.   It is safer and easier ( in a sense ) to be part of the group, like the others, than risking to be different and maybe not be liked and accepted.

To be true to yourself might mean to go against the values, standards of your parents, your culture, your society and friends. The risk might mean to be ostracized, alienation, rejection and abandonment.  What does it mean to be autonomous?  When we reach a certain age, of being an adult we have the right to ascertain what is right for us.  What values do I want to live by? What standards have meaning to me?  These might or might not be very different to those of our parents, society, culture and friends.

By following our own expectations, standards and values regardless of it to be in opposition with others, we are being true to ourselves.  We are being who we are, who we choose to be.  Are we willing to take that risk to be different?  What would it mean?  How important is it to live with the freedom to make your own choices and your own decisions?


Antoinette Steenkamp