My experience with insecurities and what others say.

When I was younger (not that I’m old as of now), I had never understood why other people had cared so much about what others had thought of them. It just never made sense to me.

Why in the world would you care about what someone said about your hair or your accent? I had never understood why it bothered them. I had seen them as people-pleasing-insecure beings.

To think about it, I never understood insecurities either. Oh boy, if only you could see me now.

“Be yourself,” they say. “It doesn’t matter what other people think.”

Sounds easy -irritatingly easy- but rather contrarily, it can be one of the hardest obstacles to overcome.

In the beginning it is, that is when you’re like ten and don’t even understand peer pressure. However, as I grow, I find it harder and harder to deal with other peoples opinions.

When I hear something positive and nice, I feel that I have to live up to those expectations. To always get good grades, to always be happy, to always be loud and welcoming. And as much as I hate to admit, it takes it’s toll.

Living up to other people’s expectations and beliefs is not easy, nor is it healthy. Living for yourself is the most important thing in life, or so they say. Living that life really isn’t even a tenth as easy as it sounds.

Where there is light, there shall be darkness. No matter what, there are at least a few rather negative opinions that are voiced. In the beginning, I found those easier to deal with. In one ear and out the other. I could definitely do this.

I couldn’t. After a while it was taxing to have to ignore them and they started getting to my head. Not often but whenever I’m having a bad day, I seem to be more aware of my “rude” speaking habits and “childish” attitude.

I have noticed that it is those comments that give rise to insecurities. When told over and over again that you’re too fat, you start working out, you start spending time in front of your mirror poking at you so-called “fat.”

When told that you’re ugly, your self-esteem seems to plummet and you mull over your looks.

It is unbelievably unhealthy yet we cannot seem to stop. Again, easier said than done.