Individuality.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” - Charles Caleb Colton

There is something to be said about individuality, and a person’s ability to express a true version of themselves without being too influenced by others. Of course, this is easier said than done in today’s society, where social media bombards us with pictures of the glamorous lives our frenemies are leading and airbrushed versions of the world’s most famous celebrities. Shouldn’t this lead to a higher value for originality? 

Of course, as a member of Generation Y, I often find myself comparing with other people. Honestly, I can’t help it sometimes. As a little kid, I tried to liken my personality to those of Lizzie McGuire and Kim Possible... but it didn’t take me very long to realize that there was really no use in comparing myself to made-up characters on Disney Channel. Now, I’m more concerned with where I stand amongst my peers -- I don’t think this mentality will, in some aspects, ever go away. But the difference between my Disney days and now is that I’ve come to appreciate the little pieces of myself that add to -- you guessed it -- my individual character.

Over the last few years, particularly since I started high school, I’ve dealt with several people who do not put the same value on individuality as I do. Growing up, my parents, friends’ parents, and teachers have said that some people are just jealous. I’ve repeated the Charles Caleb Colton quote above so many times that it pains me to say it again. However, my tolerance for sacrificed individuality -- whether that be through ideas or shoes -- has gotten lower. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say that my life is a copyrighted piece of literature that I demand be respected. What I’m really trying to say is that I hope everyone who reads this post will take some time to consider their own lives and who -- or what -- is influencing it. This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way, but it’s been for the best. 

Individuality seems to be a lost art form in today’s modern world, but I encourage you to find it in you. Trust me, you’ll be happier when you realize that you’re not wasting time attempting to live someone else’s life or follow their train of thought. Your favorite pair of shoes, opinions on The Great Gatsby, and your favorite color are all great things... don’t let yourself trade them in for something that’s less than 100% what you love and believe in. You don’t have to let Keep Not Settling, Kim Kardashian, or your best friend’s sister’s Facebook posts determine who you are or what you’re thinking. Take a minute to think of what it is about yourself that you genuinely love -- the aspects of your personality you’d never give up for anyone: those are the individual pieces of your life that make up who you are -- never let them escape. 

Keep not settling,