Self: The Alter Ego

Who we actually are?
The sum total of the expectations around us?
Or the lonely self that begs to differ?
The self inherent to us but suppressed in view of the consequences? The self that wants to take a stand?
Or are we too busy to question the very purpose of us on this planet?
How many more of us are faking the facade?
How many more of us are pretending to be something we’re not?
How many of us will have the courage to be ourselves regardless of what others think?

Our very own moonshots (the grandest urge) exist. Pay heed to it. Synergize it with our societal obligations. If our internal call is answered there is nothing in the world that can stop us. Our souls need to get satiated. If it’s via raising a family, having that awesome job, status in society, being remarkable, being authentic-so let’s oblige it. The real gig then is to externalize our inherent longings. It might seem a tad difficult but gain falls are totally worth it. Be your authentic self. Answer your true call. Do matter. Do contribute. All of it adds up.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you. You are unique. You have different talents and abilities. You don’t have to always follow in the footsteps of others. And most importantly, you should always remind yourself that you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing and have a responsibility to develop the talents you have been given.

If you end up with a boring miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on television telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it. Don’t mind my harshness but in the end, we are responsible for our being. And it should be our foremost priority to listen to our true call. Don’t compromise yourself – you’re all you have. Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself. Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else. There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.

Also Read: Amazement: The Journey Of Wonderment

Go calm amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, they too have their story. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all gloom and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. A person who is truly cool is a work of art. And remember, original works of art cost exponentially higher than imitations. Just take a look at the coolest people in history. They will always be a part of history for being extremely original individuals, not imitations.

One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.  Do the things that interest you and do them with all your heart. Don’t be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren’t paying any attention to you. It’s your attention to yourself that is so crucial. But you have to disregard yourself as completely as possible. If you fail the first time then you’ll just have to try harder the second time. After all, there’s no real reason why you should fail. Just stop thinking about yourself. There are some values that you should never compromise on to stay true to yourself; you should be brave to stand up for what you truly believe in even if you stand alone.

Also Read: Humility: The Grounded Greatness

You have a unique gift to offer this world. Be true to yourself, be kind to yourself, read and learn about everything that interests you and keep away from people who bring you down. When you treat yourself kindly and respect the uniqueness of those around you, you will be giving this world an amazing gift, You. Everyone’s on the cliff edge of normal. Everyone finds life an utter nightmare sometimes, and there’s no ‘normal’ way of dealing with it. There is no normal, my friend.

You need to get ahead of the curve and put forward the best version of yourself, otherwise, others will write their version of you for you. The leader who is able to embrace his or her imperfections is the one who will most likely inspire sustainable and healthy success. Your ability and desire to try things out, make mistakes and, at times, make a fool of yourself, are a big part of why being imperfect will be core to your long-term success.

Follow no crowd, and the crowd may eventually follow you.