Sometimes You Gotta Be Your Own Girl

So, a friend of mine Tweeted this photo the other day with the caption, “sometimes you gotta be your own girl.” I mean, despite the fact that my heart exploded with joy upon seeing this picture, his quote really resonated. It got me to thinking about a lot of things. Why is it so hard for people to just be themselves? And why do they do things to make others happy instead of making themselves happy? Why can’t you just be you?

I’d be a liar to tell you that I’ve always known exactly who I was and done exactly what I’ve wanted to do all the time. In most cases, I think that’s to be expected. As adolescents and young adults, we try all kinds of things out. We dye our hair, we get piercings, we hang with different groups of friends, we switch majors, we change our minds, we make mistakes. All of these things are a normal part of getting to know yourself. It’s a big world out there. Sometimes it takes a little work to find your place in it.

When I start to worry about people is when they, as adults, still have no connection to their identity. This comes in several different formats. Do you fall into one of these?

The “Yes” Man: News Flash: It’s okay to have your own opinion. Hell, it’s okay to disagree! There’s nothing more obnoxious than someone who changes her views based on the direction of the wind. Depending on who you’re talking to, your opinion vacillates.
The Chameleon: You’re a bird, you’re a plane… you’re a? One week you’re wearing white pancake makeup and black lipstick, the next week your hair’s in a bow. Which one is it? I’m all for having a range of style, but come on! Save the dress up for Halloween.
The Copy Cat: Sure they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but honestly, it’s pretty freaking annoying. When I was in highschool, I got in a fight with a girl for cutting her hair like mine (not physical- I do not condone violence obvi- just a few snide comments and a hair flip). I wasn’t born a twin, I don’t wanna go out as one either.
The Stepford Wife: Why is it that girls try to act like their boyfriends? Why do you all of a sudden LOVE football? You’re carrying around a camera now and I can’t tell the difference between him talking and you talking. Did he fall in love with you or the persona you’ve created? If he fell in love with you, then he is going to continue loving you… not the robot you’ve become.

What I’m trying to say is blaze your own path. People respect and admire someone who is original and comfortable in her own skin. You can only play a “role” for so long before people start to catch on. Being yourself is the most beautiful thing you can be… even if that means you can’t carry a tune and sleep with your mouth open.

And just in line with the Thursday theme… here’s a little song (guilty, guilty pleasure) from my ex girl crushes, Girlicious: