SO YOU AGREE? YOU THINK YOU’RE REALLY PRETTY? BY OLIVIA TEJAN

At some point in my life, I decided I didn’t want to share what I was capable of making or doing. I used to be proud of showing others my art work, or singing in front of crowds of people for concerts and plays. But I remember during middle school, there was more criticism and negativity thrown at anyone who was willing to share that they were passionate or talented at something.

There was this connotation that you were bragging, or you thought you were better if you put your talents on display. I really fear sharing something that I love with others, and having them tell me I’m bragging or I’m not humble- and I think that’s why I subconsciously decided it would be better if I just kept to myself.

To this day, I hate when I get put on the spot for something I’ve done- especially if it’s positive, because it’s like I don’t know how to react to a compliment anymore. As a result, people are often surprised to find out I’m creative or artistic, because it’s not something I’ve very forthright with. It’s sad because creativity has always been a huge part of my identity, and letting others VOJ’s defer me from sharing that has effected my outlook on life.

In the past year, I’ve been working on showing who I am on the inside, on the outside. Striving to show my personality and style through what I say and wear. While it’s not easy to put yourself out there, and show who you truly are without feeling judgement, we only have one life to live and it’s pointless to hide who you are.