Be Yourself.

Let’s be honest, throughout life, especially in high school, there is so much pressure to be something or someone you’re not. High school students (and people in general) have so much pressure put on them to perform well, whether it be in sports, academics, etc. And to be honest, not all of the pressure comes from our peers, it also comes from our parents.

My advice? BE YOURSELF.

In everything that you do, whether that is playing sports, performing in the band, being in every AP and Honors class your school offers. Just BE YOU. So what if you like to read more than kicking a soccer ball or tossing a football around? So what if you enjoy chess and playing the cello? Who cares if you are covered in clay and paint from the art room? Do what YOU love to do.

If you get picked on for being you, that’s because the person picking on you probably isn’t be true to themselves and there is a VERY good chance that they are jealous of how happy you are.

And yes, I did mention the fact that our parents put a lot of pressure on us. What’s the best way to handle that? Well, that honestly depends on you and how your relationship with your parents is. Over the years, I’ve learned that throwing a tantrum, rolling the eyes, and the silent treatment just don’t work the way we hope they will. In fact, they give us the complete opposite results we hope for. Parents only want what’s best for us because they love us, care for us, and want us to succeed, but they do sometimes forget that we will and do make mistakes. Sit them down and talk to them. No, don’t yell, talk. Trust me, if you have a mature conversation with them, they’ll start treating you differently. It may take several conversations, but just be honest with them and show them that you are serious and just being yourself.

If it’s your friends who aren’t allowing you to be yourself, then maybe you should reevaluate their friendship. It sucks, trust me, but friends will come and friends will go. It’s only the true friends in your life who will stick by your side and allow for you to BE YOU.

Whatever you do in life, be honest and true to yourself. As long as you are being true to who YOU really are, you’ll be happy.

And if you need advice on how to handle peer pressure or anything else, I’m told I am a good listener. :)  hsheffield2011@gmail.com