Never hide the true you!

We all have things we are passionate about and things we stand for. There are certain things we've said we would never do and things we have sworn we'd never change. Yet, somehow, when around a group of people who think differently than we do, we begin to question ourselves. We begin to teeter back and forth from what we think to what they think. The ground in which we stand on becomes somewhat shaky as peer pressure begins to rumble.

It is so easy to stand firm when there is no one around to question your stance. Sticking to your guns becomes hard when you are confronted and asked to explain why you think the way you think. It is much more comfortable to become a chameleon and change who you are to suit your surroundings. Having to endure the comments of how different you are can be rather painful, but trying to fool those around you into thinking you are more like them never works. You only end up fooling yourself.

Staying true to yourself may be uncomfortable at times, but the reward is always worth it. The guilt that comes from knowing you tried to hide who you really are can become unbearable when you are finally alone again and have time to reflect on your actions. The feelings of worthlessness that can creep in will only tear you down even more. The emotions that come from realizing that you felt they were better than you so you had to be more like them has a way of crushing your confidence into tiny grains of pity.

Leave the chameleon costume in the closet and embrace yourself for who you really are. Wear it with admiration. Yes, you are different and that is what makes you fabulous. You are unique. You are special. Above all else, you are you. Never cover that up, yet let it shine like the sun. Let others see what you have to offer and who knows, you may see a few chameleons popping up to resemble you.