Source:
https://scmp.com/article/999111/we-should-strive-be-ourselves

We should strive to be ourselves

Recently, I read a book about the need to be yourself. Yet I have to admit I don't find it easy.

We also behave differently towards different people.

We often get along with our family without pretence. They can accept us the way we are. However, with friends, we may become more careful so as not to appear in a bad light in front of them.

Likewise, we often strive to leave a good impression on members of the opposite sex. We may do things just to impress others. We may do charity work so they will think highly of us.

Yet it is important we try to be ourselves. We need to accept our good and bad points. Someone who loves you for being yourself will also accept your defects.

We must be strong and brave enough to be ourselves.

Shirley Wong Ying-lam, SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School

From the Editor

Thanks for your letter, Shirley. One of the hardest parts about growing up is discovering who we are - and accepting that person. It can be especially difficult during those formative teen years.

Peer pressure is also often an issue. People in your social sphere may try to persuade you to join in things that you know are bad. You're not being true to yourself if you do.

Being yourself isn't always easy. Other people won't always like the things you like, believe and say. You may be tempted to abandon these things to be more popular. But you don't have to follow the same trends that other people do. A line in Hamlet reads: 'Unto thine own self be true.' If you are true to yourself, and love yourself, those around you will do so, too. Be the very best 'you' you can be, and a happy life will follow.

Karly, Deputy Editor