Conformity vs Confidence

Ralph Waldo Emerson a 19th century American philosopher, journalist and poet said "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."When I came across this quote sometime ago, I read it over and over again, word for word to gain deeper understanding, I just couldn't agree more. After I gained inspiration on what to write I experienced 3 levels of emotions. The first was anger, after some thinking it went to pity and lastly love.

IN MY STATE OF ANGER...

If I were to re-quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, I would say "One of the greatest tragedy that should be know to man is been conformed to a world that was trying to make you something else". Sadly, this is the norm of our century. In fact, if you are not conformed you are not "there" yet, you are not normal, you are old fashioned, you are obsolete and need a makeover. Conformity is the jailer of (true) freedom and the enemy of growth - (John F. Kennedy).
Why would you want to change who you are just because some one says so or because a group of people don't like it? That is arrant nonsense, selfish, disturbing, hypocritical, and demeaning.

 There is very pride in being different. I see our young lads / ladies trying to be other people in every ramification and we forget that when we have become someone or something else there is a void created in the world, because the world needs 'WHO YOU ARE' someone somewhere needs that person that you are. Show me a person that thinks or feels uncomfortable being different is abnormal and I will show you a broken (by the world system) insecure and confidence(less) person.

There is every pride in standing for what is right, good, and just. There is every pride in rebuking and debunking evil morals, evil ideas and practises. Condemn out rightly, boldly and with out shame whatsoever that needs to be condemned. As a statement of truth, whatever you are unable to condemn, you conform to (divorce, homosexuality, stealing, lies, killing, corruption, bribery, extortion, pretence, bellicism etc.)

We must break away from the expectations of others. No one or world system is permitted to determine your values or behaviour patterns except you allow them get into your head. Every human has a natural trait of selfishness. Everybody you meet wants something from you, your time, money, wisdom, expertise, intelligence, body, fame, friendship, your name, energy and all sorts. I don't have a problem with that, because everyone needs everyone to survive (no man is an island), but you would be so miserable if you allow the world suck them all out and leave you empty. We need to strike a balance between what we want and what we can afford (weigh your income vs your outlay).

dare to wear the yellow socks

The world expects you to keep them happy and give them what they want, even if it is at the expense of your comfort, value and happiness. The truth is no one can please everyone. It has been statistically proven that 10% of people will never like you. In the words of Joyce Meyer, "stop tying to have a perfect relationship with everyone and start celebrating (WHO YO ARE)". This doesn't avail you a free pass to walk around consciously being insensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

Imagine you as a guy / lady, every lady wants to spend time with you, every guy wants to have you. If care and reasonable consideration is not applied, you could be perceived as a prostitute / gigolo, because somewhere down the line you lost the essence of WHO YOU ARE, what you want and what you can give, simply because you were trying to please everyone of those guys / ladies.

If i were to accept date proposals, i would probably have a date twice everyday, but hey! I understand that it is in the nature of a man to always ask and it is in my place or within my power to consent or not to.

 This is one of the amazing traits of Jesus Christ, in all his 33 years on earth, he was the same all the time, he always had his own opinion, he changed people, people didn't change him, he loved but was firm, he rebuked but was compassionate, he taught and learnt. Don't succumb to intimidation, peer pressure (it's not only for teenagers, adults experience it even more, without knowing most times).

Be proud of YOU and what you stand for. The gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing to be ashamed of. I encourage you to be your own person (it is less stressful) and defend it by your character and exume confidence all the way.

Raise you shoulders high and be you!

Love,
Chidimma