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Be Yourself?

Day 2

Yesterday I have mentioned about "be yourself" as an advise we often hear. It is a great advise indeed for those who are bothered by others' opinions and views toward themselves and thus lower their self-esteem. When we live only for meeting the expectation of others or the society, we lose our own selves. One of my hobbies is to watch anime (Japanese animation) which is viewed as childish cartoon by most people. Nevertheless, I had no problem sharing my passion and affection about it both online and offline, when I was younger. Now that I am working in a position that I have to be sort of an authoritative role in front of others, I was reluctant to express my excitement toward my own hobbies in front of others in order to maintain my so-call image at first. I think that revealing my playful side would make other think that I am less professional. However, one day, I was listening to "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi and the lyrics made me think the other way. This is my life. Why would I give others the power to control how I want to live? Why do I have to be a certain type of person if I am working in a certain position? "Being yourself" is releasing yourself from the gazes and judgement of others and shine your true colors. If we all live under those labels, it would be boring for us and for the world.

On the other hand, sometimes "be yourself" is not a good advise. The extreme end of "be yourself" is selfish. I believe that all freedom should be controlled within a reasonable boundary. You can be yourself, but do please execute your freedom in ways that would not bother or hurt other people. Some people use it as an excuse when they are rude, arrogant, disrespectful of others or make mistakes and ask others to forgive or accept their behaviors. This is totally wrong. They are conscious of their flaws and refusing to change themselves and they call it as "be yourself". This is intolerant. When your so-called "self" is toxic, you should change your "self", not ask for others to change their behavior or views for you. Putting the blame on others for not being understandable to you is totally wrong. You should reflect your own mistakes and correct them, instead of insisting to be your toxic self.

All in all, it is good to be yourself as long as you do not cause unnecessary troubles or harm other people. That is how human being is different from other animals. We have disciplines and logic. If we act and react based on our instinct, we are losing the self-control that civilized human should have.

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