ABOUT ME: Individuality Over Conformity

WHOM DO I WANT TO BE?

WHO DO I WANT TO BE?

Do you prefer blending in with the crowd or shining brightly as a unique individual?

Do you trust your thoughts or allow external influences to shape your beliefs?

Are you letting others control the direction of your life?

Are you pretending to be someone or something you’re not?

Are you embracing yourself and striving towards what you want to become?

There are countless questions, yet the answers are self-evident.

Honestly, I’ve never been one to follow the In-crowd — I’d rather be true to myself and stand out.

Even when I didn’t like who I was, I never wanted to be anyone else, even if it meant no longer existing.

CELEBRITIES

While I sometimes love indulging in movies and have a few actors I adore, I prefer to embrace my individuality and be true to myself.

I have always marched to the beat of my drum, never one to be swayed by conformity.

I may never be considered a beautiful woman according to society’s standards, but I wouldn’t wish to be anyone else.

My unique identity sets me apart from the crowd of look-alikes, and I proudly embrace my individuality.

I understand and respect that everyone can decide how far they will go to emulate their idol.

I will not subject myself to drastic changes to emulate someone likely unhappy with themselves and constantly looking for change.

A pivotal moment occurred a few years ago when I finally discovered my true identity.

This revelation came about through self-discovery, honesty, and self-love.

I didn’t strive to mimic or mirror anyone in the media; instead, I dedicated myself to enhancing and evolving my authentic self.

FASHION

Throughout my adult life, I have consistently chosen to dress in a way that reflects my style rather than conforming to trends. I prioritise purchasing clothing that enhances my individuality and complements my unique sense of fashion.

I’ve never cared about other people’s opinions on my clothing choices, even though I often wear more unisex styles.

I only feel the urge to dress up for special events, but even then, I always stay true to my style in my choice of wear.

What appears stylish on the mannequin may not necessarily feel like me when I try it on.

CONVENTIONAL RULES

I chart my course in life and do not conform to the expectations of others.

While I always uphold the law, I value my independence and do not mindlessly follow others. I take full responsibility for my choices and actions.

No definitive rules dictate that I must be married or have children.

I don’t submit to anyone other than my higher power who has control over my life or fate.

I strongly believe in free will and am thankful to live in a country where I can embrace my freedom without facing severe consequences.

My nonconformity could have resulted in dire consequences in certain cultures, but I can express myself freely and authentically here.

MY HIGHER POWER

While I may not identify as religious, I have faith in God and the transformative strength of prayer.

I believe in a divine being of love, forgiveness, healing, wisdom, and illumination.

Each day, I consciously dedicate a portion of my time to connecting with God through prayer and supplication so that I can live a virtuous life.

MEDIA

I don’t consider myself a dedicated news consumer. I only pay attention to the little news on my social media feed, but I take everything with a grain of salt and don’t unquestioningly trust everything I read or see.

Individuals consumed by the constant stream of news are prisoners of the media, which has detrimental effects on their overall health and happiness.

It has been over ten years since I last tuned into the news, and while I am not oblivious to current events, I choose not to fixate on them. Constantly consuming negative news only brings negativity into my life.

FOOD & DIET

I can eat whatever I please, whenever I please, and in whatever manner.

I have no interest in hearing anyone’s thoughts on my dietary choices.

Everything is in moderation.

I refuse to accept that the odd McDonald’s or Nando’s will result in a sudden health decline.

Some ‘healthy’ homemade meals can also result in health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, or obesity for many individuals.

I am free from any limitations or constraints.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

I am not a couch potato. I am a restless soul who struggles to stay seated for extended periods.

I often yearn for more relaxation but thrive on staying active and alert. Whether it’s going for strolls, jogging, or engaging in sports, I prefer to keep myself on my toes.

Engaging in regular physical activity can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellness.

Activities like running, walking, and jogging improve cardiovascular health and lung function, while other exercises can help enhance strength and flexibility.

I have shifted my focus from being a gym enthusiast to embracing the great outdoors for physical exercise.

Staying in shape is a personal journey for everyone, but for me, it’s simply a natural part of my daily routine. I don’t live for it; it’s just a seamless component of my everyday life.

FACIAL PAINT

I refer to makeup as facial paint, reminiscent of its origins as war paint.

Although excessive makeup can harm your skin’s natural beauty, I am more focused on balancing my skin tone rather than completely altering my face.

I prefer to keep my makeup routine simple, opting for a touch of face powder to control shine and a hint of subtle lipstick.

When I want to change up my look, I only need a touch of mascara and eyeliner to make a statement.

I’m not much of a makeup person. I prefer to let my skin breathe and avoid the messiness of applying cosmetics.

HYGIENE

Ok, so you have my attention.

I absolutely must have a bath or shower every single day.

I must bathe before going under my clean bed sheets when I venture out during the day. I refuse to bring the day’s grime into my sanctuary of cleanliness.

My ideal routine involves starting my day with a refreshing shower and ending it with a relaxing bath.

Maintaining cleanliness is undoubtedly a virtue close to the divine. I wholeheartedly advocate for maintaining my hygiene and the cleanliness of my living space.

INTERESTS

I have various interests spanning various subjects, and I understand that not everyone will share my passions.

I believe in allowing others to discover their passions without imposing my own onto them.

There is no more incredible frustration than being forced to endure watching or discussing something that does not interest you.

I am deeply passionate about the supernatural, medical emergencies, firefighting, and police detective dramas. If someone doesn’t share my interest in these genres, I indulge in them during my free time.

Individuals must understand that not everyone enjoys hearing or watching a particular show and respect their preferences.

I don’t particularly enjoy soap operas, and I’ve observed that many viewers often draw parallels between the dramatic events on screen and their lives.

SPORTS

I’m not a die-hard fan of any particular sport, but I love attending basketball games and boxing matches.

However, my entire existence is not centred on this…

READING

I am passionate about immersing myself in the pages of various genres, whether it be novels, historical accounts, medical literature, or captivating real-life narratives.

I have a distaste for predictable narratives that begin with promise and end in a cliché happily ever after.

I am drawn to dark and twisted tales, especially those that delve into the depths of the human psyche and unravel the mysteries of family lineage.

CREATIVITY

In recent years, my creativity has flourished. I have ventured into the realms of self-discovery literature and poetry, penning my works that delve into the depths of the human experience. Furthermore, I take pleasure in translating the vivid images in my mind onto paper through my artistry.

Thanks to my distinct styles and techniques, my individuality shines through in all I do.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

I possess the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with anyone.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I value and respect the opinions of others.

The conversation fizzles out quickly if someone mentions a topic I find offensive or don’t care about.

I carefully select the people I engage with, as specific conversations can significantly affect my mental and emotional health.

I dislike self-centred individuals who constantly steer the conversation, bragging about their accomplishments and self-importance.

They ignore everyone else in the room and are known for being opinionated and disrespectful.

I surround myself with knowledgeable and wise people, leaving little time for ignorance and foolishness.

I have noticed a change in my level of extroversion lately, and I can’t help but wonder if my sobriety has played a role in this shift.

As I have grown older, I’ve developed a preference for the refined ambience of theatres and galleries, steering clear of the loud, chaotic atmosphere of bars and nightclubs.

LOVE?

It wasn’t until I fully grasped the true essence of love that I chose to venture out on my own.

There are countless ways to define love.

My love for my Father knew no bounds.

My love for my mother now is indescribable, encompassing protection and nurturing.

I have experienced many forms of love, but the one that eludes me is romantic love. Coming to terms with this will be the most challenging part of my journey.

In today’s world, the love often portrayed in romantic relationships seems driven more by desire, convenience, or sympathy than genuine affection.

I do not crave that type of affection.

The self-love I have cultivated will lead me to the genuine love I have yet to encounter.

Integrity and actions speak louder than words alone.

In essence, my sense of self today is rooted in the discoveries and encounters that have shaped me in the past few years rather than being defined by the influence of any other human being.

In everything, there must be a balance.

Natalie M Bleau Author

Scripture of Balance