Embracing My Unique Path In Life
Becoming Unapologetically Enough
'Those who flourish are the ones who come to know and embrace their own way of being.'
These words have been resonating deeply with me lately, inviting me to look at how I relate to those closest to me. From a young age, I sensed that my path was different. I was never the child eager to join, to belong, or to be part of the crowd. I’ve always felt more like an observer in this world, watching others connect and seek community in ways that felt foreign to me.
As an adult, I began to question this part of myself, trying to fit in and be more like everyone else. I found myself wondering if my instinct to 'do my own thing' was wrong or if it made me somehow incomplete. I thought that, to be a 'good' friend or a 'good' person, I needed to change—yet every attempt to mold myself into something else only left me feeling worn out, uncomfortable, and out of place.
Learning to Trust My Instinct for Solitude
As I’ve come to embrace my natural inclination for solitude, I realize that my nature, although different, is nothing to 'fix.' I’ve always found peace in smaller, quieter spaces where I can be with myself fully. Even now, I’d rather sit in a cupboard at the dark than be somewhere I don't want to be. Writing and sharing my voice in videos have become ways I can connect with others without the pressure to conform. These quiet ways of reaching out allow me to share myself deeply without feeling like I’m being 'too much’ while graciously managing my emotional intensity.
For years, I pushed against this instinct, thinking it was a flaw. I placed myself in situations that felt unnatural, going along with things that didn’t align with my true self. But this inner conflict only left me exhausted, drained, and further from who I was meant to be. Recently, in a moment of silence, I heard a voice from within:
'You are a passerby. You are not here to stay.'
It was a gentle but undeniable truth that filled me with both tears and relief. Finally, I understood that I wasn’t here to stay in the conventional sense—I was here to pass through, to connect briefly but meaningfully.
Letting Go of the Need to Belong
For so long, I tried to stay, out of love and loyalty, in family dynamics and friendships that were meaningful but ultimately didn’t fit. I wanted to be there for my family despite the drama, and I stayed as long as I could. I wanted to be that easygoing friend, the one who fits in easily. But each attempt only left me feeling more out of place, leading me to step back and finally accept that I am simply different.
This insight was both painful and liberating. I began to see how I’d tried to draw others into my world, hoping they’d understand my way of being and make space for it so I wouldn’t feel the need to go. But that wasn’t fair to them—or me. My relationships often grew tense and confusing because I would seek validation, hoping to be accepted on my terms. In truth, I wanted the freedom to connect deeply but briefly, without the demands or expectations that often come with belonging.
Choosing Self-Acceptance Over Conformity
For the first time, I see clearly that my true nature isn’t 'broken' or “selfish.” Instead, it is simply my way of connecting: deeply yet briefly, valuing each interaction without the pressure to stay. This self-acceptance may mean losing a few people along the way, and that’s okay. It feels better than the constant, exhausting attempt to conform to a way of being that doesn’t fit.
As a ‘momentary companion,’ I want to be fully present with those I meet, to bring whatever light I can, and then let go with love and respect. This, too, is a form of connection—a form of love that honors both others’ freedom and my own boundaries. I trust now that my role, my path, is enough.
Embracing Your Own Journey
If you feel like you’re walking a path that doesn’t quite fit the mold, know that you’re not alone. Embracing our unique nature, whatever that may be, is a powerful form of growth and self-acceptance. Learning to trust in our paths allows us to connect in ways that honor our true selves, without the need for validation or approval.
May you embrace your path, even when the road ahead feels unclear. May you trust in the quiet strength of your presence. And when the world asks you to change, may you stand firm in the truth that you are already enough.