To Be Engulfed, But to Not Suffocate--Samantha

                                  

I think most of us take on the infamous characteristics of chameleons. By this I mean, we change our colors to blend into our surroundings so often that we do not even realize that we as individuals are disappearing. At times this is considered to be a great skill, they call it versatility. Those who can adapt the best and the most efficiently to their environment will survive in this world - survival of the fittest. But how does versatility differ from conformity? Where is this fine line? Do we subconsciously cross over into conformity or are we aware that to be virtually invisible is perhaps better than to stand comfortable in our own skin, defiant to the societal norms that lay as our background. I say “better” because growing up, “better” and “safer” became synonymous in our vocabulary. It was taught to us that the safer decision is most likely the better one, that on a scale from 1-10, anything considered 1-3 is us not pushing ourselves enough, 7-10 and we are being too “unrealistic” or maybe even “rebellious,” the range 4-6 is safe, is fitting in, is better.

In our comfort zones, we are most like ourselves. Ironically, most of us say that this is where we feel the safest, so in that state, following the interchangeability of “safe” and “better,” isn't that when we are also in our best form? We are frightened to let our guard down outside of our comfort zone because this is when we feel vulnerable, for our true selves are exposed before society to critique and judge. A determining factor of our own opinions of ourselves is really how others perceive us. We all long for acceptance, it has been like that for a majority of our lives.

From birth, we want to be accepted by our parents. In most cases, there is already an undying love and acceptance from our family, but we still work hard for their approval because we want them to be proud of us. Moving into our childhood and initial interactions with our peers, we never want to be the odd one out. Insecurities, doubts and occasionally self resentment run ramped in the mind of an outcast, for they are missing the vital social interaction that brings things to a balance and into perspective. Even now as seniors take their next step towards a new stage in their lives, there is the need to be accepted by colleges. At this point, personal statistics (gpa, number of awards, test scores, number of clubs, volunteer hours etc.) begin to matter more and more, while of course our personalities and actions are still being watched and assessed.

Many of us desire acceptance to feel relevant in this world, but we have to understand that knowing our own self worth, as well as respecting and having confidence in ourselves will be more rewarding than working for the opinions of others.

To go on living within a 4-6 safety range is not embracing life’s opportunities. we should let life, its wonders, challenges, energy and unpredictability, engulf us and serve as nutrients for our souls. We should not, however, let it become suffocating. Allow yourself room to breathe freely, to develop your own thoughts and opinions to share, value things that you actually find important, and to expand socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually.