Who you are

'It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are.'

E.E.Cummings was a very wise man.

Being yourself should be the easiest, most natural concept known to man.  But in practice, most of us spend the majority of our school life trying to fit in.  And some even beyond that.  I remember thinking university was going to be a mature version of school.  No more cliques.  No more divisions.  But I was wrong.  Because that's not school or uni.  That's just people.  And some people spend their entire lives trying to abide by this unwritten social code of conduct.  Saying the right things.  Knowing all the right people.  And for what?  More Facebook 'friends'?

It's one of the hardest things to walk into a room and acknowledge the fact that you may not be the smartest/prettiest/skinniest/most outgoing girl there.  But to know that this is OK.  And despite this, to not want to be anyone else.  Because you are YOU.  And no one else in the entire world has had the experiences you have, had the family you've got or can feel what you feel.  And that is the most precious thing.

Then you can start to create your own wavelength.  You can re-define this high-school concept of being 'cool'.  And you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room, the prettiest face or the most intelligent one because you've gained something more.   It's your own vibe, your individual scent, your va va voom.  And when you've got this, you'll realise that THIS is what makes you special.  Individuality.  Originality.  Uniqueness.  

This journey is what takes the courage that Cummings refers to.  This is called growing up.