Rabu, 22 Juni 2011

Challenge Yourself To Be Different For The Right Reasons



I have never been one to follow the crowd.  I cannot blindly follow the crowd because I’ve always thought of myself as an individual with specific needs that must be met.  I will not allow myself to be labeled or categorized.  Often, we are stuck in a rut of behavior which we continue just because that’s the way everyone else does things.  We conform to “normal” behavior because that seems like the best way.  However, our differences are part of who we are.  To understand these differences, we must have a strong self-concept and self-knowledge that transcends society’s constructs.
I do things differently not because I purposefully don’t want to conform, but because I genuinely believe my approaches to life will yield the best results for me.  You should consider the same methods. 
Here are a few examples from my life...
Straight-Edge
I have decided to live the sober life because it allows me to be more productive as I pursue my own ambitions.  I don’t judge others when they drink or smoke, but rather I have made the choice that best benefits me.  I am learning to understand and learn rather than judge.
Minimalist
Now, I rarely purchase things I don’t use frequently.  I doubt I would behave differently even if I had lots of cash burning a hole in my pocket.  I wear an undershirt and nylon gym shorts to class, and my showers never last more than 3 minutes.  
Go To Bed Early and Take Naps
Most college students I know go to bed around 1 or 2 in the morning.  I make an effort to be in bed by 11.  Also, I take naps, a practice which is frowned on by our fast-paced society.  If you feel tired, your body is probably telling you that you need to rest.  It’s that simple.          
Keep A Journal
I believe journaling is one of the most emotionally releasing activities you can do.  It is a chance to preserve your frustrations, fears, anxieties as well as your joys, triumphs, and deepest thoughts.  I have penned a journal entry every single day since January 1, 2008, and it’s one of the best ways to know yourself better.
None of these things are terribly out of the ordinary, but they do challenge the norms our society uses.  I get questions about my lifestyle choices, and I am happy to answer these inquiries.  The main point I am trying to make is that if you find yourself stuck in a monotonous routine and you feel like a number, challenge yourself to find ways to redefine your own uniqueness.  Similarly, if you are looking for ways to live your life apart from normality, challenge your self to be different for the right reasons.  Never be afraid to be different, but always make sure these differences are of benefit to you.    

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