By Psychologist Mamta Saha
Today, I have a very special message for anyone who feels like they don’t belong or fit in. I was one of these people and, in this article; I’m going to share the wisdom I’ve learned through my struggles for those of you out there who are feeling this way.
Our world today is obsessed with this idea of “perfection” and it’s all about being popular, most successful, or about making it seem like you’ve got it all together and you’ve got the most amazing life and that you never struggle or have bad days. It is so easy to get lost and swarmed with all these expectations which can cause you to move away from your authentic self. Honestly, I’m tired of the idea of “fitting in”, and this is something I have always dealt with growing up. Fitting in isn’t about being you at all. The entire idea of “fitting in” takes away everything that makes you yourself. That’s where the problem begins, and it’s one that causes stress, frustration, and exhaustion within us.
The effort it takes to be someone other than your authentic self is taxing. Is it worth it? Will it make you happy? For a short period of time, yes. But it’s never going to satisfy you. You’re always going to be craving one more compliment, one more approval, one more acknowledgement. Let me tell you something, you don’t have to accept the reality that your friends, family or colleagues believe in. fitting in with the crowd only made me lose myself.
I finally got tired of bending over backwards for everybody else and putting myself last. I knew I had opinions. I knew I had a voice and my own preferences. I knew that I mattered. So, I began living that way. Stop putting everyone else before you. You matter just as much as anybody else does and make that your mantra. It takes bravery and courage to show up in your own skin, you deserve to be seen and show up as your authentic self for you.