by Len Morse

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2009

Being yourself means naturally allowing your personality to blossom. It is not something that can be forced; it must be nurtured.

This does not mean that you can't change over time; you should expect to gain varied knowledge, skills, abilities, and desires throughout life. However, what's important is that you make certain decisions along the way - decisions that allow you to be at peace with yourself, and with those around you as much as possible.

Unfortunately, being yourself is tough when many others want you to think, act, speak, and live according to what they think is right. Where do these societal expectations come from? Usually our family, media, workplace, government, religion, or some other authoritative group sets up a framework of regulations to be followed.

Sometimes these groups mean well and perhaps many of their decisions make sense, but overall they can't know you as an individual well enough to completely enforce their suggestions or commandments. No one controls your brain, heart, or soul except you. No one.

== Shyness Handicap ==

People who grow up with an unassuming personality may have trouble thinking for themselves, in some cases even into their teens or 20s. Perhaps friends, family, or school influenced them too easily, thanks to shyness and/or gullibility. Waffling on decisions becomes frustrating, so they must look inside themselves, as well as look around at the world, and eventually decide to make their own decisions.

You do not need to blindly adhere to every bit of information, but pick and choose what advice to follow, which can help you naturally cultivate the good points of your personality, including trust, confidence, talent, humility, and humor.

Don't like making decisions? Befuddled by too many options in life? That's okay. You don't have to take the bull by the horns every single day. Some may say that you are missing out on the best life has to offer, but part of being yourself is doing what you feel is right. Sometimes that might mean removing yourself from a confusing situation.

Whether you were a late bloomer or you have always allowed your personality to flourish, you are most likely still bombarded by some form of societal authority. If you wholeheartedly believe what you are told, whether via faith or knowledge, then go ahead and follow the expectations that are laid before you; otherwise, you must find your own way to the truth, therefore furthering your quest to be yourself.

== Parents ==

There is no

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