Journal: Breaking Free from Social Norms, my Journey to Discovering Authenticity and Self-Awareness

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10th Jan 2023,

Have you ever felt disconnected from yourself? I have. Lately, I've been feeling this way, and I couldn't quite put my finger on why. I'm not unhappy or depressed, but something just feels off. So, I decided to take some time to understand myself better.


I've always been an avid reader, and my reading habit has taught me to reflect deeply on my thoughts and feelings. However, when I tried to talk to others about what I was going through, I found that many people are uncomfortable talking about their emotions. I often received sarcastic or joking responses, which left me feeling like an outcast.


Feeling left out, I began to feel lonely, and I had a strong desire to fit in. So, I put on a mask to hide my true thoughts and feelings. I suppressed them and replaced them with sarcasm or ill humor because that's what I thought was socially acceptable. But, I realized that this mask was a result of my fear of being left out, and it was sabotaging my sense of self.


Wearing the mask felt like being an actor in a play. I was playing a role that wasn't true to who I am. The misalignment between my persona and my true self left me feeling lost and disconnected. It was only when I made a conscious effort to take off the mask that I began to feel more connected to myself.


It hasn't been easy, and I still struggle with my fear of loneliness. But, I've come to realize that it's okay to be different and not fit in with everyone else. It's important to be true to yourself, even if it means being left out. I've started talking about my feelings more openly, without sarcasm or humour. And, while I've received mixed reactions from others, I feel more content knowing that my persona is aligning with my true self.

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