Forget Expectations – Just Do You!
I had a huge realisation recently, an epiphany moment, about how many things I do (or don’t do!) simply due to other people’s expectations and the fear I have regarding their reaction if I don’t pander to those expectations. And to be honest, I can’t believe it has taken me this long to really truly see it, and realise how much I have been suppressing simply because those around me may do things differently, and may not understand or care for what I want to do. Well enough is enough. It is time to just do me.
Can you recall a time you really wanted to do something, or wear something, or were even interested in something a little different to your friends, but chose not to act on it for fear of being judged? During my recent epiphany, I realised just how much I have done exactly that over the past 15+ years. I have never really been a ‘sheep’ that followed the crowd, and although I have certainly been truer to myself than ever before over the past few years, there are still silly things that I have been too afraid to do despite wanting to. Things like dancing in front of people, in any way I choose. Or embracing my spiritual side and practicing rituals that I have been longing to do for so long. Even listening to certain music, or singing, or wearing certain clothes. It’s crazy when I start to think about it!
When people have known you for some time, or believe that you are part of a certain social circle or profession, they can have certain expectations about your behaviour and appearance. We may even have these expectations about ourselves! If we have always done things a certain way and all of a sudden want to try something new, it can be a little bit scary! It can be very daunting to change, but change is such a beautiful thing! I do, and say, some things that my friends and family would never do or say, and then either downplay it, hide it, or suppress it completely. But at what cost? That is certainly not honouring my authentic self, and it is time to stop!
I will no longer pander to others’ (or my own limiting) expectations. I will no longer hide the pieces of me that I think may be judged. I will honor my true self and desires. I will stand firm in my beliefs and speak my truth. And I urge you to do the same. Forget expectations – just do you!
