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In a society driven by ranking, classifications and "status," it's a wonder that anyone could ever be completely content with him or herself. No sooner than we break our budgets to purchase the hottest new garb or "must-have" accessories, the trends have changed by dawn. We are littered by advertisements glamorizing "what's in" and are pressured by our peers to get with the times or else suffer the ridicule of the ever lurking "fashion police." "Oh no she didn't..." they'll say, with their haughty smirks and giggles. God forbid, she didn't get the newsletter, comfort is out.

We spend our entire existence trying to find "ourselves," all the while envying the characteristics or clothing or pricey possessions of everyone else. We go through ridiculous lengths to look like the girl next door and in the end, we find that even she is yesterday's news. Discomfort in our own skin, a tragedy. We pass this obsession onto our children, but do we really take a step back and look at the damage it is doing? We lead by example and are teaching our youth that if you want to be anyone in today's society, you must strive to be like someone else.

No one is perfect, no matter how hip or thin or wealthy they may be. Even super models have problems, they're dying for an extra slice of cheesecake. The irony of the statement, "the grass is greener on the other side," is that it is said from every perspective. You might envy your neighbor's expensively lavish landscaping, but you'd be surprised how much they might long to have the stellar relationship you share with your partner.

What is wrong with having an individual identity? Why are those that stick out in a crowd classified as weird or out of place? How would you feel if your own child or sibling was labeled as an outcast simply because they didn't conform to a trend? Individuality brings color to the world. Being an individual shows strength and depth. Individuality is innovative, new ideas would never arise without a different way of thinking.

It's spooky enough that science is making the possibility of human cloning a thing of the future. Let's slow down the pace a bit, focus on what feels right to us. Love ourselves and live life in a way that works for us, as individuals. Life's too short to wear it in someone else's shoes, even if they are Prada.

Learn more about this author, Elaina Wicks.
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