Stay True to Yourself

Reminiscence

Sometimes when I reflect on some factors that did inform much of my efforts aimed at changing some things about myself in the past, I tend to notice a major one with so strong impact, and also which I have seen to be so evident in the lives of people I daily see around. Just like I had done, I see people trying to adjust many things about themselves in appearance, behaviour, knowledge base, and attitude just to fit into the prevailing transient social image around, to be accepted or "sought-after". But I've come to realize that even though the idea of "adjusting" oneself isn't a bad thing in an absolute sense, however, the vain motive of mere social acceptance or fame has so thwarted the positive effect it should normally have on one's life. Learning from one another and consequently adjusting certain inadequacies or wiping off dark spots are true essence of socialization. Nevertheless, without a vivid picture or knowledge of your unique course and vision in life, continually trying to fix yourself to fit the social image can be so frustrating because you remain unstable due to our ever-changing technology-driven westernized society which will never cease to demand more from you. It could also become so detrimental that you lose touch with your real self, not having a distinct identity known even to yourself let alone others.

The Need for Value addition

 Many times when we seem not to be "sought-after", it's usually because of not exhibiting anything of value that is worth seeking after, something that can be of help to others. And in that case, the obvious thing to do is to put on the shoes of love, caring-ness and need-driveness; the jacket of constant, continuous and consistent dedication to personal growth(because you cannot give what you do not have) and value addition through learning(maybe by books or skill acquisition via seminars and training sessions); and always walking with outstretched hands, willing heart and a bright caring face advisably smeared constantly with a smile that shouts aloud, even without words, "I would be glad to meet your needs to the best of my ability".

Shunning the Many Voices

However, also equally many times, when we seem not to be really accepted, it is not really because something is wrong with us. Mediocres would definitely love the company of fellow mediocre, and would always want to move with them lest his/her life of low existence and inner emptiness become evident in the light(or presence) of a visionary, purpose-driven highflying persons who have chosen to step out of the rut of mediocrity and consciously put in efforts to living a life different from that of an average human being. In this case, the temptation to want to be detached from your true self and deviate from the genuine lifestyle that defines you become so overwhelming. You may feel so out-of-place when that other loosely dressed fellow(a fellow lady especially) become so "sought-after" but you seem invisible within  the crowd simply because you have chosen a higher life of nice but modest dressing. You may feel so uncomfortable sometimes when you adhere to certain genuine life principles of discipline in your choice of words or actions, or in being visionary and need-driven, caring for people and willing to help without defying your integrity, while that other fellow with mouth full of jokes that are unseemly and crowded with depravity, with a lifestyle of indulgence and desperate gratification, appears to be the majority's favourite. But never give in, the result hangs in the nearest future. It might not seem so evident, but wait for it. You will not regret it! It may be sometimes difficult to stand your ground, stay true to the values that define you and uphold your true identity. Nevertheless, success is assured. Your victory lies in the unwavering acknowledgement of your unique identity, your inner picture of a desired future and your dedication to put in the necessary measures of self-control, personal growth and focus which it takes even the midst of the prevailing challenging situations until that desired future becomes a present reality.

Resolve to Stay True, keep at it and rejoice!
 

So at some times when you feel out-of-place, you may need to fix some things and make yourself more valuable. However, at some other times, what you need really do is to remain firm on the solid foundation of timeless principles. Adherence to these universal genuine principles may take some time to produce results, but it surely will produce results--long-lasting ones. So keep at it! Quick-fix and shortcuts approach to life may produce immediate results, transiently making mockery of these fundamental life principles(of the process of growth),but their folly gets to becomes revealed or precipitated by the semi-permeable filter of time.

  You may not seem needed now. But as long as you are sure your life is in harmony with the timeless and genuine principles of life (all delicately ingrained in your heart),keep working at it. And in no time, people will so desire what you have that they soon come rushing in, just to see or hear you talk about how you have become whom you are. And you will feel fulfilled living a blessed life of impact!
 

Insight of 16^th of June, 2015