Why is it okay to not fit in ?

At some point in our lives, there comes a phase when we feel no one understands us. We find it difficult to relate to our friends as we evolve from school kids to college going teenagers. We are a product of our journey, of the situations we face and that constantly shapes our beliefs and the way we look at life.

I recollect a phase when it all began. I vividly remember I was in grade 4 and there was this trend of these Pokemon cards and bablets and my school friends, my cousins were obsessed with it. It didn't interest me. I got a bablet for myself but I would get bored after some time. I realized that my interests were different. I am sure that there were many like me but they were just forcing themselves to follow the trend because everyone only spoke about it. I was left alone. I had nothing to speak on the topic which they were obsessed with. I didn't understand the meaning of the fact that I  didn't fit in and I continued pursuing my own interest no matter what and since then I have never looked back.

Grade 4 was a turning point in my schooling days I was selected as the Head Boy and I was now very senior in the afternoon section and I took those responsibilities seriously.  I felt responsible for everyone and I got busy  volunteering and helping my teachers in activities.

Now as an 18-year old, when I look back. I have realized I never fit in and which is perfectly fine. One does not have to fit in. When I was grade 9th and 10th action movies were the talk of the town and those were the days I was inculcating reading and writing habits. Sometimes it affected me that I didn't have many friends however I got busy with pursuing my hobbies and I could meet beautiful and driven individuals whom I truly admire and have been following.

So it's okay not to fit in. We all are different and we need to stop changing our interests our views to join the bandwagon. To my mind, we all are a beautiful product of our errors, our trails, sordid experiences. Our journeys are different from each other we all are unique. I admit I did feel downhearted but once I started working on my reading and writing skills, I got so involved and found likeminded people in the process.

I had two choices one to change my interests and join the bandwagon or to pursue my interests. I chose the latter because this would be a little difficult but in the long haul, it would give me maximum happiness and pleasure without any regret.

We all have enormous potential and we are worthy of everything we desire. We just need to believe in ourselves. We don't need to fit in. It is time to stop caring so much about what others think and start caring more about your self-appraisal.

Lastly, let us remember the lines of Rabindranath Tagore.

If no one listens to your call,
Walk Alone.

If in fear they cower, mutely facing the wall,
O hapless one,

Open your mind and speak out alone.
If, as you cross the wilderness, they turn away and desert you,
O hapless one,

Tread firmly on the thorns along the blood-lined track and travel alone.

If, in the storm-troubled night, they dare not hold aloft the light,
O hapless one,

Ignite your own heart with the lightning and pain and yourself become the guiding light.


Thankyou 

YJ Rahul Bagwe