The truth is, a lot of us can be shallow, easily speaking without thinking and judging others for their beliefs, preferences, and basically, everything else. Some of us are shallow sometimes — we’re human, it’s bound to happen — but some of us seem to find venturing out into the deep a little terrifying or unnecessary, or perhaps, we just aren’t aware of that depth.
Regardless of whether you left home for college or commute, the experiences you have here and the knowledge you gain help shape you into the person you are. Every time you go through something, good or bad, there’s something you can take from it.
Last year, we experienced a shift on a global scale. From a pandemic that changed the way we live our lives to the U.S. presidential election, riots and everything in between, we got to see people’s true nature and colors. With that, we got to see how different we all are and can be from one another.
While we may have different tastes, values and perspectives, there is one thing we all have in common: we are all experiencing our own lives and our own stories. We may go through similar experiences, but no one can look at the world through our individual pair of eyes and with the same exact perspective. With that, it is vital for us to learn to be more accepting of one another, flaws and all.
No one should be ‘converting’ anyone to anything, whether that be relating to politics, religion, sexual orientation or anything else. Even if we don’t see eye to eye and agree on things, we should, at the very least, be able to agree to disagree with one another. No one should have the power to dictate your life. You should be the sole leader of yourself and your soul.
Life is what you make it and I refuse to spend it trying to fit in or follow a crowd. I refuse to stay in the shallow waters when a world of opportunities and experiences awaits me in the deep. As far as we know, we are only able to experience our lives once. Why waste it trying to change yourself or someone else? What real good does that do to you and your soul?
We should all be focusing on ourselves, following our passions and swimming into deeper waters in the hope of finding ourselves and becoming the truest and best versions of ourselves that we can be — not just for us, but for others, too. If you could change one life today by accepting someone for who they are and encouraging them to become the best they can be, would you do it? I know I would.
As we enter the new year, I encourage you to enter the year with love and acceptance in your heart. Be understanding of those with different perspectives from you — everyone has something they can teach you. Go ahead. Go deep.
