BE UNIQUE!

Hello fellas,

Reluctant as I was to share my perspective, I knew I had to do it. I tossed the idea back and forth before I finally decided to give it a go. It’s nothing major apparently, but I don’t know how people are going to perceive things or if I will be able to express my thoughts in the best way possible.

I am very random and incoherent and I think that shows in my writing skills. But I am sure by the end the of this blog you would hopefully get the point.

I decided to write about this because I noticed people around me telling people what to do or how to live their lives. With people having no personality of their own and following the ideas and steps of other people they believe are their ideal. I am utterly disgusted when I see an individual (child)  being forced to be something they are not.

 I believe I was in 5^th grade when realized that I had always found beauty in abstract things. My art teacher was never happy with my work and didn't like me because she was always expecting the same old perfection or symmetry. I  couldn’t find beauty in anything similar or standardize, for me beauty was in absolute originality or rawness of things. Something non-figurative or non-objective, I was never able to put my finger on it until years later when I learned about abstract arts.

In my childhood, I lived in conflict, I felt I was not good enough and that I was always at fault. Don’t get me wrong, not for a moment did I change myself for anyone. I was more often than not scolded and smacked for being just that. I remember being called spoiled and ill-mannered just because I had my own personality.

For instance, when I took Photoshop classes, my teacher, who was highly skilled and artistic, couldn’t find perfection, uniformity, coordination or balance in what I produced. But for me my abstract designs were sublime. And If I went out, I would always take a stroll and have a look at the place instead of sitting in one place. I play with things, anything, be it decoration pieces or tissues box or jewelry. By play, I mean I like to explore things in my own way. I like tattoos instead of hennah and like wearing one earring instead of two. When I was out I would do what I want regardless of who is in the surrounding, If reading a novel when I am free in front of my manager is what it takes, so be it. I know there is a fine line between disrespectful and being you and in no way do I advise to be disrespectful.

I always thought I was eccentric and lacked manners or social skills. Until I got the opportunity to work in a British-based school. Coming from an Asian background where you are taught to follow rules and everything you do differently is disrespectful. I was shocked when a child would behave like I was not only accepted but appreciated for being unique. I was clearly shocked when one particular child would do things his way, have ideas of his own and would do thing differently.The principal not only liked him but said that he had character and individuality and possessed skills that none other had. And I sat there thinking, wow!

Now, I am unabashedly myself and I am proud of everything that I am. I don’t feel the need to impress anyone or to be socially accepted. I don’t even think I am being disrespectful or I lack manners or I may come off to people as weird. Only a few, certain, individuals in your life will see you through the fog of “social/standard norms” and appreciate who you are. We all are unique and that's what makes us beautiful. If anyone of you who's out there and feels that whatever you do is frowned upon and is not conventional. Just think to yourself, that this is you are and that is what you are going to be.  

Each and every one of us is beautiful in our own way and nothing should change that.  Anyone who thinks you are any less just because you are a nerd, or you are artistic, is actually less than you. If you do things differently and like things that other’s don't, then remember you are special in your own way and there's nothing wrong with that. Don't let anyone make you think you are weird or funny or make fun of you. If they do, then we all know they are the narrow-minded lot, who’s opinion don’t matter.

I hope this motivated or inspired you to be yourself, and maybe even give you the courage to stand up to people who demean you,

I hope doesn't offend anyone,

                                                                                                                               

Lots of love,

LaLa

P.s: follow me on Instagram: shopaholicinbahrain