Be yourself

Recently I have noticed a few close friends struggling to be themselves. In this world that expects mindless automatons, cookie cutter actions and where you are given a number and stripped of your identity it isn't surprising that many people struggle with this issue. Children at school are supposed to fit in, act in a certain way, and conform to the norms of society. Unfortunately in this way we are loosing some of the uniqueness that children have. As adults we must act, dress and behave in a certain way to conform to the normalcy of the working environment. The problem is that it's hard to shed these persona’s at home and in our personal lives. When I was a counsellor I was for warned that the burn out rate for my field was extraordinarily high. Most people suffered from burn out with in 2 to 3 years of their career. Why is this? Because they failed to leave work at work and home at home. I never burned out because I separated my work “face” from my home “face” and never the twain shall meet. People didn't really understand what I did for a living, nor did people at work have a grasp on my home life. The trick is to conform only when you have to, and be free in your personal life. Make your home life a safe environment for you, the unedited creative you. The one that doesn't have to earn money or fit in. Be creative. If people in your personal life can't except you for you, then shed them like a snake sheds it's skin. They are not worth your time. Love you for you. And most importantly take time for you. Find something you love and make sure in the busy schedule of life that you schedule yourself in. I know having children means that you put them first, but part of taking care of children is taking care of yourself. Lead by example and encourage them to be creative little creatures which ever they choose possible! And always remember that you are a unique and special person no matter what anyone else has to say. If they reject you for you then they weren't meant to be in your life in the first place.