Don't Give Up Yourself to Belong

Always be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. ~ Judy Garland

The desire to belong, to be a part of a group, or one of the popular, famous and well-known is something we all feel at some point our life. After all, nobody wants to be ordinary.

This urge to belong starts early in life, and we struggle with it often as we grow from childhood, to teenagers and then adults. Do we do what we know is right and better for us, or do we give in to belong? It should be an easy choice, but it isn't.

There are many reasons, and things we are willing to do, in order to belong to the cool or popular group. We can justify each one if we spend enough time contemplating them.
  • Peer pressure.
  • The desire to be socially accepted.
  • The need to feel a part of something greater and more important than ourselves.
  • Fear of being ostracized if we don't go along.
  • Conforming to the behaviors and attitudes of a group.
  • Willingness to look silly or odd.
  • Participating in bad, or illegal behavior to fit in.
It's unfortunate that anyone would feel less than or embarrassed by being who they are, and that others would participate in making them feel this way. Who has the right to say that who you are and what you do is not exactly as it should be? If the only reason you are doing something is to belong, then that is something you shouldn't do.

As a society we need to do a better job of teaching children early in life that all they need to do is be themselves. If they can also accept others for who they are, and treat everyone with respect and kindness, then everyone wins. Each of us can benefit from what others have to offer.

The truth is, being ourselves should not be looked at as a bad thing. If we truly explore who we are and the amazing things that each one of us can do, we would not call ourselves ordinary.

If you want to belong, or be a part of something, choose to belong to the group that accepts everyone else for their unique talents and gifts.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Simply Sides - Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes)

Image
In the UK they are known as Fondant Potatoes, and in the US, they are hardly known at all. They are buttery, crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle and worth a try. These are the most delicious potatoes I have had in a long time! They would certainly be a great addition to any of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy! Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes) 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled Note: Use potatoes at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. DO NOT  use a glass baking dish. Adjust rack to upper-middle position. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Square off ends of potatoes and cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick disks. Toss them with melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in a baking pan and roast until the bottoms are browned, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven and usin...
Read more

Simply Sides - Corn Bread Casserole

Image
My sister has made this casserole at Thanksgiving for many years. It is creamy and delicious and has been a big hit with the entire family. This dish is very easy and is not only great for your holiday meal, but also for weeknight dinners. Corn Bread Casserole 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn ( undrained ) 8 ounces sour cream 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) melted butter 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. 1. Mix all ingredients and pour into the prepared dish. 2. Bake at 325F for one hour. Enjoy!!
Read more

The Rock of Gibraltar

Image
On our way to El Puerto De Santa Maria, we made a detour to see the Rock of Gibraltar. If you have ever seen a Prudential Financial advertisement, you will recognize the Rock of Gibraltar which is their logo. The Rock of Gibraltar is a single large block of stone 426 m (1,398 ft) high. It is a limestone peninsula and mountainous rock that jets out of the end of the British territory at the southwestern tip of Europe. It is home to a network of caves, including the famous St. Michael’s Cave, which is open to the public. At the top of the Rock, visitors can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Morocco on a clear day. Seeing the Rock from below is quite a sight, however, taking a tour to the top tells a much bigger story of how impressive it truly is. We headed out in a small 6-passenger van to make the climb up to the top of the Rock. The road is quite narrow and winds back and forth along the edge of the Rock. For someone like me who is afraid o...
Read more