“I don’t mind being hated…I do mind being misunderstood.” Ever feel misunderstood by others? I know I do a lot and I loath it. Do I lose sleep over it? Absolutely not. However, it can be a bit daunting (for the lack of better words) trying to convince people of the who’s and why’s of who you are. Many times I hesitantly find myself explaining my actions, reactions, or reasoning behind what I do or how I do things. If I’m quiet in social gatherings, I’m stuck up. If I am assertive, I’m bossy or controlling. If I’m persistent, I’m thirsty. If I’m passionate, I’m too emotional. If I affirm myself and have an amazing self-esteem, then I’m narcissistic. If I’m very knowledgeable about a topic, I’m the Miss. Know-It-All of the group. It just never ends! As agitating as it is, I know that underneath it all they’re all assumptions and misconceptions from others who truly mean well. Even with that in mind, I still find myself wanting to shrink back and just recluse because I hate having to explain myself to people.
Why should I even care? In some unusual way I do understand why I should. Some people need to know that I’m approachable, feel that I’m normal to their standard, or have some sort of connection to me. Personally, I’ve come to understand that those requiring an explanation from me in reality don’t really deserve one. Yet, I still provide an explanation anyway. I spend so much time trying to convince people that I am who I am and I can be acceptable to their standard instead of showing them the beauty of who I am in my purest form. I also understand that I can’t control what people think of me or how I’m perceived. Even on a good day, I’m still misunderstood, so why bother? Someone’s perception of me is just that…a perception! If they choose to view me off of a misconception, misinformation, or false assumption, then hey, that’s completely on them and not me! I have no control over that. Plus, it requires a lot when trying to explain yourself to others and I don’t have the energy for that. Instead I choose to have peace of mind and choose to be me. Being me is my norm. I can’t change or rewire the parts of me that makes me unique and special. So I choose to be myself accepted or not! Yep, I choose the articulate, artsy, funny, witty, weird, difficult, emotional and the other parts-of-a-person that I am…because that is who I am.
For those of you that are feeling misunderstood like me, always remember these words from one of my all time favorite author. “Today YOU are you, that is TRUER than true. There is no on ALIVE who is YOUER than you.” -Dr. Seuss
Be You!
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Wanesha V. Spencer
Oh my… I can relate to this. At times it’s a struggle finding a nice even balance. I’m learning that some people will never understand certain aspects of me however I’m ok with that. In the past I wasted energy wanting people to understand me until I realized it’s unfair to place that kind of burden on anyone. I have a hard time sometimes understanding myself at times lol. Thanks for being so honest and transparent! Great Read!!
blessed
Yes! Exactly. Thanks for reading