I’m well aware that certain aspects of my lifestyle differ from the majority of society. In the past few years I’ve received my fair share of eye rolls in regards to being vegan, running ultras, and whatever else doesn’t fit the status quo. I used to shy away from conversations that would reveal these aspects of my life simply because I didn’t want to deal with the ridicule from others. Overtime I felt as though I wasn’t portraying the most authentic version of myself to those I interacted with. It didn’t take long for me to discover the power of confidence. Life lesson: If you act confidence no one will question you.
Yes, I may be different from my peers, but lets’ be real…we’re ALL a little weird. I spent so many years placing too much value on what other people thought me. I would change my outfit or not post a picture because I was constantly thinking how I would be portrayed to others. Now I realize how absolutely ridiculous this thought process is!Life isn’t about pleasing others but rather doing what makes you happy. This is obviously much easier said than done. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in are constant factors in our busy lives. Social media can make it look like your life is less exciting than all those people from high school you still follow. But life isn’t about comparing pictures on a profile. It may be easier to just try and fit it in, but I promise you’ll be much happier if you do what you truly love.
In the past few years I've had the wonderful realization that I could do whatever the hell I wanted to and the only permission I needed was my own. So you want to run a marathon? Go for it! Who cares what other people think. When you base decisions off of what other people will might think of you you’re allowing others to dictate the life you live. Stop living the life you think others want you to and start living the life that YOU want.
So what if people tell you you’re weird? I get that a lot and I’m doing just fine. At first acting confident, when deep down I was scared and insecure, felt like I was faking it. Yet before long I felt myself actually gaining confidence. Life is just too short to not be the most authentic version of yourself. Wear what makes you happy, eat the food that you think is delicious, workout in whatever way you love, and do it all with confidence. In the wise words of Billy Joel “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life. Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone”.
