If we’ve crossed paths at any point in the last two decades, you’ve probably met at least one version of me.
When I was still in the corporate world, a colleague called me a hippie because I loved quirky colourful clothes.
I constantly wondered: Was I the problem?
Or was the system just never built for creative minds like mine?
When I left to freelance seven years later, I thought: Finally! I can be fully myself.
That was Alex V1.
Alex V2 came along just 8 years ago.
I thought I needed an “upgrade”.
As somebody’s life partner, in-law, and caregiver, I tried very hard to fit the “responsible adult” mould.
I tried so hard that at some point, I lost sight of who I truly was.
And paid the price of pretending to be someone I am not (I’ve written about anxiety and depression in other posts).
Which brings me to Alex V3.
The one I’m building now.
These days
– I wear what I want to meetings, even the colourful stuff. Because being “professional” doesn’t require erasing your creativity.
– I say “no” respectfully and kindly, instead of saying yes to please others. Because being “respectful” doesn’t mean silencing your truth.
– I try to be more open in voicing my thoughts even when they are not popular opinion. Because authenticity should be celebrated, not suppressed.
If you’re reading this while twisting yourself out of shape to fit in, stop.
The right people will adjust, accept, and love the real you.
When did you realize you were trying to shrink yourself—and what helped you stop?
