Were you ever teased as a child? A lot of us were. Some kids will make fun of others who are fatter or skinnier, taller or shorter, or different in some other way. Unfortunately, they learn this behavior from the adults around them who likewise mock or make fun of their colleagues, friends, and others for nothing more than being different.
This becomes an enormous problem when several children attack one child and declare that difference in them to be negative. When this behavior is ongoing, the different child will most likely begin to feel low self-worth. After all, if everyone is telling her that she’s different and that her differences aren’t good, and no one corrects them, they must be right.
Why else would they all be saying the same thing? That child becomes upset with the person she sees in the mirror. Why is she overweight? Why is her skin different from others? Why wasn’t she given the intelligence that all her friends have? This leads to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and in some cases, risky and unsafe behavior.
Stress Is a Killer, but It Doesn’t Have To Be
Obviously, that’s a very stressful scenario. Sadly, this situation is far too common, not only for children, but teens, young adults, and even older grown-ups.
It causes so much stress, both physical and mental! The stress begins to build, because the differences are seen as negative. The marvelous, unique individual that child was created is not allowed to be who they really are. They try not to be themselves, but to match wall everyone says is acceptable.
On the physiological side of the equation, this chronic stress produces chemicals that lead to anxiety, depression, and other negative feelings. Ask any doctor, and they’ll tell you stress is related to most chronic illnesses and many major causes of death.
Your differences don’t have to be stressful. They shouldn’t be. When you embrace who you are, you realize you have so much to offer the world. You’re fine just like you are right now. This new acceptance of yourself grows your confidence and leads to less stress. You aren’t as anxious about trying to please others by fitting into some silly idea they have of who you should be.
Your confidence and self-esteem go up when you accept and love your differences.
You may also find that certain people in your life want to manipulate you rather than accept who you are. It would be wise to move on from these people and spend more time with supportive individuals who encourage your uniqueness.
Be happy with who you are. You’re the only “you” that will ever be created. There will never be another human being exactly like you. You have a beautifully unique purpose designed for you and you for it. You’re the key to fit into a specific lock and no one else can. When you embrace that truth and view your differences as advantages, you’ll suffer less stress and anxiety and enjoy more self-love, fulfillment, and success.
