Throughout all of school, these sayings fill our lives: “Follow your dreams.” “Believe in yourself.” “Dream big.” “Be the change.” “Share your sunshine.” “Embrace the journey.” “Don’t give up.” “Be yourself.”
They are plastered around the halls, in speeches, on social media, and pretty much everywhere we look. But do they have any real meaning behind them? How do they help us succeed?
After years of hearing it, I took one of these mantras to heart: “Be yourself.” And I learned that my definition of “be yourself” is to find unique things that make you happy. It could be art, music, sports, or hobbies and activities. Having this realization truly made my high school experience that much better.
For some people, the fear of standing out and being noticed outweighs the desire to be yourself. So we fit ourselves into molds, all wearing the same clothes and shoes, listening to the same music, and making sure we are fitting other people’s expectations by conforming.
For example, in seventh grade, all I wanted for my birthday was a Hollister sweatshirt because everyone else had one. I spent so much time trying to be like other people that I began to lose myself. We are quick to make decisions based on other people’s opinions, without stopping and thinking about our own first.
Once I realized that I was happier being my authentic self, it was easier to find hobbies and not feel guilty about seeming “weird.” I explored my music taste, fashion sense, and hobbies, and I found ones I enjoyed.
My music taste spans decades, generations, and genres. You name it, I probably have listened to it. Some of my favorites right now are everything from Fleetwood Mac, Lil Baby, Herb Alpert, The Beach Boys, and Taylor Swift, to Twenty One Pilots, Kendrick Lamar, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, Coolio, and Jim Croce. It makes car rides and school dances fun because I am not picky and I know most of the music.
I also learned to embrace my own fashion sense. I enjoy wearing flared jeans, shawls, positive T-shirts, bracelets, rings, big earrings, and fun nail polish. This is what I feel the most comfortable in, because it shows off my personality.
I also took up a new unique hobby: knitting. I found my great-grandaunt’s needles and handwritten instructions, and I made a dishcloth, starting my love for the craft.
Then came crocheting, about a year later. I have made numerous amigurumi animals, baby blankets, hats, a bolero, and a granny square sweater. Being able to make your own clothes and wear them instills a sense of personal pride. I even crocheted my prom corsage last year, adding crocheted flowers to silk leaves and a scrunchie band.
I have found the activities and style that I enjoy, and I will continue to listen to my heart when making decisions.
So, do things that make you happy. Read a book, stop and get coffee before school, join a Rocket League daily tournament, sing in the car, listen to a true crime podcast, do a jigsaw puzzle, or make cookies. Do the little things that will make your day that much better.
And overall, don’t be afraid to be your authentic self. It will get you on a path that you will truly enjoy.
