Just Be Yourself?!
This past week, I had the pleasure of watching three regal black men in hoodies, relaxed jeans, and gym shoes give a talk about art as a vehicle to reflect the culture. One of the men, in admiration of the other artist in the room, made this statement. He said, “I look at your art and I think… I could do that too if I weren’t afraid of what others would think of me.” He then complimented him for just being himself because doing so allows him to create work that inspires others. I was struck by his comment. Here’s why…
You see… We have been required to act and look a certain way, talk and dress a certain way, like and think a certain way so long that we struggle with just being ourselves. In fact, we don’t even know what “being ourselves” means.
It’s not until we sit with the three uncomfortable questions, “Who am I?” What do I think and believe?” and “What do I want?” that we come to truly know ourselves and can truly focus on being who we authentically are. And until we discover ourselves, we will continue to struggle with identity crisis. Until we know who we are, and what we think and want, we will remain stuck in the vicious cycle of imposed shape-shifting to be what others expect from us.
This life is a gift and it’s yours to live. You alone will live with the risk and rewards of your life - no one else.
Lean into the introspective discomfort. Lean into honesty and transparency. Lean in to being who you are without the constraints of others opinions about you.
Be the beautiful uniquely-made human being you were created to be. Lean into being yourself.