Embracing Individuality

Embrace what makes you unique. Passion is a great quality in a person, so don't hide the things you enjoy, the things you are passionate about. Dye your hair an unusual colour. Get that tattoo. Go see your favourite band live. Take up that hobby you've been curious about. Act like a freak.

This world is home to millions of human beings. And the truly amazing thing is that not one of us is exactly like any other. Every single one of us is unique in our own ways, and this is something that should always be celebrated. Our individuality should not just be accepted, but embraced. If the world were full of people all exactly alike, it would be a far less interesting place. We all have different tastes, different opinions, and different personality traits, and these are the things that make us unique.

Sadly, the world is not always such an open-minded place. Countless numbers of people are victims of persecution, over trivial matters most of the time. Bullying is one of the most awful things one person can do to another. Children are ridiculed for their tastes in music and fashion, and made to feel like they are outsiders in their peer group. And this is fundamentally wrong. It is truly saddening to witness someone change who they are and pretend to be someone they are not in an effort to make others like them. To see them lose the quirks which make them unique, and morph into a carbon clone of everyone else. And no one will ever be truly happy this way, forever lying and disguising and pretending.

I know it can be difficult to stand up for what you believe in, when you fear that doing so will only lead to further exclusion. From personal experience, this seems to be the case in particular for those in their early teens - the years of formation and discovery, of slowly trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be. It's not made easier when others try to force their opinions on you. But I strongly encourage everyone, to not give in to them.

Eventually, you will realise that these people don't matter. If people cannot accept you for who you are, then you don't need them in your life. It may take time, but you will find those people who love you for you, and even share your tastes. These are the people to surround yourself with, the ones who will allow you to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin. And in turn, be accepting of them. People who are a little bit quirky, a little bit weird, make by far the most interesting and exciting friends.

So embrace what makes you unique. Passion is a great quality in a person, so don't hide the things you enjoy, the things you are passionate about. Dye your hair an unusual colour. Get that tattoo. Go see your favourite band live. Take up that hobby you've been curious about. Act like a freak. Don't be afraid to do the things you enjoy, even if you're doing it alone, as it won't be forever. It's your life, so enjoy it. Just be you.

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