If you’re young, you’re probably giving this a skeptical glance as you consider it.
What on earth could she possible know about my issues, you’re presumably thinking.
Or, oh please… She is unable to relate.
I can. Know why? Good news: I’m young.
I can’t wait until I’m an adult and don’t have to justify myself to these folks.
You’re all grown up, so it’s simple for you to say.
I suppose that your generation differs from mine…
Never compare me to James again! We are not genetically related!
Do any of these ring a bell?
The typical young person suffers with what they perceive to be excessive demands from those around them.
There is always something to be embarrassed of or something to hide in a world where bigotry of many kinds goes largely unchecked. Youths and other emotionally “immature” individuals are disproportionately the targets of such criticism. They frequently seek refuge among those who have a tendency to mold their lives in an effort to blend in or at the very least protect themselves from the critical gaze.
I have friends, and occasionally I think back on the decisions I’ve made in regards to friendships and I’m horrified by the desperate methods I’ve done.
There’s definitely one individual who everyone knows and who you only know remotely. Everyone wants to be associated with him because he is the one who picks his own style and is an innocent rebel.
I’m sure you’re curious about him as well. Perhaps you want to do something to catch his eye and possibly have your photo appear on his Instagram story.
You attend a class party that he will undoubtedly go out of desperation, get very intoxicated, and the rest is history. Yes, you definitely got his attention and much more than you anticipated. How do you defend yourself in front of leering eyes by saying that all you wanted was a buddy, not to be the center of a story that goes viral?
Or perhaps you suddenly discover that you are glowing inside. You have the confidence that everything is possible. You look around with a smile, prepared to spread some good. You take a seat and begin constructing air forts. You create lovely goals, give yourself praise when you succeed, and support yourself when you experience difficulties.
Then, your alarm clock jolts you out of your trance by reminding you that it’s almost 5 o’clock and you have to be at the pub ten blocks from your house for your waitress interview. Wow, what a waste of a day. Who do you inform of your lovely plans that require expression?
There may be a girl that your parents genuinely like. She is intelligent, focused, respectful, and attractive as well, which helps. Most likely, they would prefer to have her instead of you.
You strive to live like her because you are sick of the insults. Discover all of her pastimes and lose yourself in attempting to enjoy them. Even though you’d always like roomy shorts, you dress the same as she does, wearing a customized t-shirt with tight pants and those expensive sandals.
Everyone around you accuses you of having an inferiority complex because you change so much that you are unable to function normally in your familiar setting. Next, what?
I know that I have often wished that I could change the scripts. I believed that I had the power to alter history, shape my surroundings, and perhaps not always come out on the losing end.
Beggars would be Tesla stockholders if wishes were Tesla shares.
Perhaps the change you need doesn’t include those nearby. Instead of rolling your eyes, consider it. You lose yourself trying to respect the current quo or appease other people.
How about pursuing your purpose in life?
Identify your specialization.
Rome wasn’t created with only the first brick laid by old Tylus, so it may take some time to figure out what makes you happy or content. Even then, it might not work out. Rome was constructed through constant effort.
Draw a conclusion from that.
You will need to learn, unlearn, and relearn until you are the best. You’ll have to put up with criticism, whether it’s positive or negative. You’ll meet new individuals and have to say goodbye to some. It will be necessary for you to make sacrifices, which you will eventually recognize are investments in your future.
And when you’re older, you’ll share these words with the kids in your neighborhood. Help them understand that trying to fit in won’t always be successful.