Be Yourself? That Doesn't Apply All The Time

I admit that this article sounds so negative and dramatic but just an honest question, what if being yourself doesn't get you anywhere in life?

A common advice that someone gives to a person about life is just to "be yourself". It sounds very simple but it got me thinking deeply. What if your personality always gets misunderstood by people? Will you still be yourself? What if that person is naturally cruel? Will you still apply that belief to himself?

I believe that most of us have encountered advices where we get "you don't need to prove yourself to other people, you are worth it".

I mean, of course we are worth it on our own. However, okay this will sound so self-righteous but some people do not deserve to get help in some instances. Okay, hear me out.

Immoral acts, crimes, misconducts

There are people who chooses to be bad, I'm talking about criminals to be exact. And you will advice them to be themselves? That's irrational. It doesn't apply all the time. I know there must be a reason behind it but violence will never be the solution to such ordeals.

Some of them might be heavily influenced from emotional traumas they had in the past but what about the innocent victims getting their lives taken because of their actions?

I strongly believe in justice. I'm a Christian, I know that I should treat everyone as my brothers and sisters but every action must have an equal consequence that one should pay. Yes, we should forgive but justice has to be served.

We can't just tolerate them to be themselves because obviously, it's against the law.

Societal pressure

Whether we like it or not, society will always have something to say with our actions. It's confusing where to find your safe space. The society has created standards in everything.

White, sexy and tall women gets complete dominance of recognition and attention when it comes to beauty. Although I'm glad that the country I'm living in, is starting to be open minded with diversity.

Philippines is a conservative country and that, expression of one's intentions never gets appreciated. So even if you tell that person to be yourself, that doesn't work all the time. Reality hurts.

Family matters

Did you grow up in a family where there are rules to follow and abide? I get that. I think most of us did but sometimes, my heart bleeds to those whose freedom are compromised when it's the family should be the first ones to support.

Some of it may have been caused a severe trauma in childhood as it suppressed them to who they really are. I consider myself as blessed to have a family who's supportive of what I do. Even though I still haven't made any substantial change in our status but they are not giving up on me.

Growing your personal brand may not be as smooth as we look up to. Hurdles like judgments from people will always be there. Regardless of these, let's continue fighting.

I truly believe that we can be ourselves if our actions are in line with our moral compass and direction. I mean, as long as it doesn't hurt someone emotionally and physically, I think you just have to go with it.

Lead image source

Thanks for reading.

Keep safe everyone!