Alix ’16 believes the world would be a better place if we didn’t conform to societal expectations

The world is full of many flaws. One of the biggest flaws is the expectations we have created for ourselves. These expectations have hindered and degraded the human soul. We send messages and teach our children of what a morally and adequate citizen is. We fail to realize these expectations have stripped us from our own uniqueness. For example, a young girl is contralto striving for that one specific body. Failing to realize that we are all made differently. We all have a specific body type made out of unique curves, measurements, and flaws. We try to perfect them because it’s what it’s right. To constantly strive for greatness. I’ve dealt with this same body image issue for many years. I see girls with huge thighs and small unattractive waist. I constantly critics myself because I do not meet the standard. I came to the realization that my flaws make me who I am. Nobody in the world has the exact same body as me. If I change it I am striping away my personality my humanity.

I’ve realized over the years that I am not alone. My peers around me have felt the pressure to fit into the expectations that society have created for us. However, we constantly blame society but we are society. We always say we can never make a change. But we are the change that helps create these categories. We need to stop boxing people into such small groups. The world would be a better place if we allow ourselves to be who we truly are. If we let each other experience what it’s like being themselves. Promoting self love, to try to stop changing ourselves for the chance at what we think is “happiness”. Happiness does not come from trying to please everyone around us. It comes from pleasing the soul within us. Allowing it to flourish. Showcasing who we truly are. -Alixandi ’16