Today’s quote comes from Michelle Obama: ‘Do what you think is right. There will always be someone who thinks differently.’
Being true to yourself and knowing who you are is one of the most challenging things in my eyes. It means courage and believing in yourself to behave ‘right’. It means being strong, even when the headwinds are so strong that they could blow you over. Standing up to the storms of life and knowing that you simply can’t please everyone. Having a strong character and being at peace with yourself, no matter what accusations or opinions you are exposed to, requires courage and a healthy and good perception of yourself as well self-awareness of the circumstances.
If you do what you think is right, then you are consistent in your actions, know what you want and remain focussed and determined. You are also aware that it can be challenging and that you may ‘offend’ at times. Being single-minded and clear can also be misinterpreted as being tough and unapproachable. In my view, it’s crucial to distinguish between doing the right thing and showing empathy and sensitivity towards others. The real challenge lies in harmonizing these two aspects.
If you try to bend to those who have more power, influence or are higher up in the hierarchy, or simply want to please, you come across as a flag in the wind. Such personalities are also known as „social butterflies“. Such individuals may advance in their careers, but at what cost? Lacking their own direction and personal convictions about what is right for them, they appear to me as chameleons, adapting at will. To me, such a personality is both elusive and discernible. It would not be desirable for me.
Being true to yourself in your own attitude and actions, with your own weaknesses and strengths, is worth much more to me than being a likeable person you can’t grasp. I want to be able to express myself as I am in my own uniqueness. Without offending or hurting others around me, of course.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all accept and respect each other as we are?
