i.d

For the past several weeks I have pondered and challenged myself to question as to what is the value of one’s true identity. What I mean by this, is whether it is worth the sacrifice of losing one’s own self in order to gain the acceptance and to abide by the social norm of others. That incessant annoyance, or that childish immaturity, are these qualities seen as being negative, as flaws and barriers to conform to the ideals and acceptance of others, is it worth the effort to change oneself merely to be accepted? It is often questioned whether it is worth, “to gain the whole world, but lose one’s soul.” Must we truly sacrifice and lose ourselves to gain new understandings and progression toward society’s “normal” nature, to assume the role that all have placed on us. With each new age, comes with a progression toward maturity, toward what is seen as regular and normal. As we grow, we socialize, and in this we gain insight towards the importance of socialization and acceptance. With each new passing year, we work and strive toward fitting in, to be accepted, to not stand out. Therefore I question the ideals and values that society has forced on us. In a nation such as ours, our proudest essence is the fact that as a country, we are built upon by the bricks of diversity. Therefore if diversity is what we all are proud of, than why is it that a drift away from the normal is seen as being unnatural and unwanted? It is in this state that I realize that we are who we are. Regardless of our nature we stand as unique individuals. I firmly believe that to be an individual separate from those around, it is the qualities of both the weak and strong that define who we are. Both the flaws and the strengths that dictate and express our innate nature that allows us to be ourselves. It is as much the negative aspects and the positive that simply challenge us to be ourselves, fully ourselves. As well is it possible that what others see as negative aspects we can view and appreciate as being strengths ourselves. Therefore I pose the challenge to others, to strive toward being yourselves, whether it be that constant desire to ask questions, or that constant flirtation toward beautiful women, continue to be oneself fully. Because we are who are regardless of who we may be… even if we are still childishly immature as we progress into our 20s.