part0024

Society can be a really tricky thing to figure out. Often, the signs it gives us are mixed and totally contradictory, and at times puts pressure heavily in one direction for one period of life, only to completely switch at a later point. One particular point of this is individuality – you probably remember the ridiculous pressure you felt back in high school to fit in and not be seen as ‘weird’, only to have that pressure completely drop away as you got older.

And fall away that pressure does, though some people never seem to get that menu, constantly worrying themselves over keeping up with the latest trends and fashions and having the exact same interests as those they think would judge them otherwise. The fact is, though, that the adult world values individuality more than conformity: it’s the mavericks and the ones willing to break the mold who come up with new solutions and are the most successful in life. An even bigger reason to be yourself is the psychological freedom you will gain. With no more worries over how others will perceive you, you will relieve yourself of a source of stress and anxiety, and the freedom to do the wild and weird things that make YOU happy will bring you untold joy.

Be who you are and let the world know it. First of all, you have to KNOW who you are – really, that point can't ever be stressed enough – and express that to the world. Listen to, watch and read the things you like; dress how you desire and let your personality shine through in every interaction.