There are so many things that make you unique and special in your own right. But over time you may have come to believe that you needed to conceal certain aspects of yourself because they were too different or strange compared to the people around you. Maybe you worried that you would be ridiculed for your taste in music, clothing styles, or hobbies. Maybe you have even been rejected in the past because you shared a little too much of yourself with someone who didn’t appreciate you. And because of that painful experience, you decided that it was best to hide certain parts of yourself so that you could better blend in with others.
This may be an effective coping strategy in certain settings, but later in life it becomes painfully obvious that by attempting to fit in and be like everyone else, you lose touch with your authenticity. You end up feeling hollow and disconnected from your inner joy, and you still feel like you don’t truly belong because you aren’t able to comfortably be yourself.
To feel truly whole and complete, it’s important to reclaim those neglected aspects of yourself, and not only accept them, but celebrate them. While it’s true that some people won’t appreciate you for who you are, it’s also true that there are probably many more people who will, if you give them the chance.
Start by thinking back to your childhood. What were your favorite activities? What kind of music, books, and movies did you enjoy? Can you recall experiences where someone made it clear that you were somehow unacceptable or unlovable? What was it about you that they rejected? If you can’t remember these details, it may be time to go on a treasure hunt to rediscover your true passions, desires, and personality traits that you may have hidden away.
What really makes your heart sing? What makes you feel alive? Start paying attention to the things in your environment that draw your attention. It might be activities that you have always been curious to try, or certain artwork that inspires you. Perhaps you’d even like to explore some different career options that you didn’t dare consider when you were younger. Get back in touch with the parts of you that light up when you recognize something that stirs your interests and passions.
Pay attention to that little voice within and allow it to guide you to greater fulfillment in your life. Remind yourself often that you are not here to blend in, or to be a carbon copy of anyone else, or even to make everyone else happy. You were gifted certain talents and creative abilities that you are meant to express and share. Not only will it make you much happier to do so, but your contributions will actually benefit the world as well. If you keep holding back those parts of yourself, you deprive yourself and the world of your gifts. And the truth is, somebody, somewhere is depending on you to do what you have been called to do.
Most of all, practice feeling proud about who you are, even if some other people might think you’re weird or different. Remember that those people are not your people. Your people are the ones who will truly appreciate you for the authentic, unique being that you are. And if you will bravely share your authenticity with the world, more and more of those people will be drawn to you.
