Kalyee Srithnam on Why Individuality Matters: The Importance of Being Yourself

I want to be myself.

I want to be a full human being.

Individuality is so important because it allows us to be unique. It allows us to stand out from the crowd and be our own person. When we are ourselves, we are more likely to be happy and fulfilled. We can also better relate to others because they can see the real us.

Pretending to be someone else is sickening. It’s like you’re denying who you are and trying to be someone that you’re not. It’s fake and it’s not real. You can’t be yourself if you’re pretending to be someone else.

Life is a matter of public record. I will not provide any evidence of this, but I have an explanation as to why I am different from other people.

To the casual observer, I seem like a complete person. As for most of those casuals, their opinions are fleeting.

To those who are more than casual, I am an aberration, a freak. I am not like them, and I never will be.

The reason is that I have sought out individuality and embraced it. I could have chosen to fit in, but that’s not who I am.

Our opinions are the ones that will define us, so don’t listen to the voice of opinion. Stop listening to that opinion, those strangers, because they don’t know you, they don’t love you. Listen to your heart, I promise you that that is the most truthful reflection of you.

I was born in a small town in the middle of nowhere. I could have chosen to stay there and be like everyone else, but I wanted to get out and see the world. I wanted to learn new things and meet new people. So I moved to a big city and started my own business.

I could have chosen to conform, but that’s not who I am.

I am an individual and I embrace my individuality. I encourage you to do the same. Be yourself and be happy.

I don’t understand why you would want to conceal yourself, unless the person you are hiding is someone you’re ashamed of. But that’s not you, is it? You are a good person. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

So what if you don’t fit in with the rest of the world? So what if you’re unique? Who wants to be normal, anyway? Be yourself and be proud. Embrace your individuality and be happy.

Wake up every morning, and look in the mirror, and be proud of who you see. Because that is the most important person in your life, the one that will always be there for you, no matter what happens. So don’t let anyone else tell you who you are, because only you know that. And never forget that.

It’s important to be yourself, because when you’re fake, you can’t connect with other people authentically. When you’re being yourself, you’re more likely to find people who accept and love you for who you are.

You’ll also be happier because you’re not living a lie.

If you believe that what others say about you is your truth, you will be a slave. You cannot let others tell you who you are, and you cannot let others tell you who you are not.

Xoxo,

Kalyee

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Kalyee Srithnam is a 24-year-old writer, columnist, sometime-model and erudite chocolate fiend, who loves unicorns and writing content that helps people feel seen. Her column appears each Monday and Thursday.

Image model: Kalyee Srithnam (in sweatshirt)