The Nerve-Wracking Responsibility of Being Yourself

Everyone is unique, right? Some of us are very obviously unique, whether it be the way we dress, act, speak, etc. while others take some getting to know before you find out how they're really unique. I, for example, like to pronounce the word unique "you-nih-cue" because why not? And that uniqueness is what makes us, well, US.

Pretty fantastic, huh?

Anyway, there's all this pressure on everyone to "be yourself." But guess what? Being yourself can be scary sometimes. We, as people, tend to judge others based on stupid, superficial things like clothes or hairstyles or whatever. So if you want to "be yourself" by wearing some ugly sweater you really love that you found at D.I., you might get a bunch of weird looks. OR, perhaps, you'll find that people  actually like your ugly sweater. You never know. [Update: I was just at the mall wearing said sweater, and people complimented me on it. It was awesome.]

But how are we s'posed to truly be ourselves if we're constantly worried that someone is going to judge us or make us feel bad for being who we really are? It's a real struggle we all have to deal with. Personally, when I'm at school or out in some public place, I switch to my "normal" self. I'm quiet, dress nicely, say the right things, do what people expect. But when I'm with friends, or even just by myself, "normal Corynne" is nowhere to be found. Instead it's the real me that comes out. The me that's not afraid to wear a hideous Christmas sweater, the me that says whatever the heck she feels like saying, the me that is more random that a cat wearing a waffle hat. Seriously. (Also that rhymed unintentionally, soooo brownie points to me.)

There ya go... Google has everything.

Then there's blog me. Blog me is actually pretty close to real me, so lucky you guys--you know how I think.

Anyway, I've realized a thing, and I wanna 'splain it to you all. There have been times, like Halloween for example, where I decided that I was going to do what I wanted and not worry about what others had to say. On Halloween, I walked around as Cinderella all day. Even though I got some strange looks (the people at the bowling alley were quite interested to see how I was going to manage bowling in such a giant dress), I absolutely loved it! These instances when I've made up my mind to ignore whatever negative feedback I got, I am so much happier! I'm happier because I'm doing what I want to do, and I'm not worrying about what others think.

Honestly guys, people aren't even as judgmental as you think. We worry so much that everyone notices everything we do wrong, every imperfection. But they don't! And that's fantastic! Because it means that you can be yourself more :) like really, truly be yourself, which will make you happier.

So kiddos, I think all of you should really try focusing on not worrying so much what others think. Let yourself do the things you want without freaking out that someone will think you're weird. Heck, maybe you are weird, and if you are, embrace it! :) I'm quite weird, and I'm not afraid to show it. So lovelies, try being yourself, just for a day, and if you're not happier you can send me a letter of annoyance and I'll send you a picture of a cookie, okay? :)