I remember when popularity was all important. I used to cut my hair and wear certain clothes just to increase the odds. I played certain sports and hung out on certain corners. These days I am apt to not even shave. I do care what people think but I don’t go to bed worrying about pimples. Is it maturity or have I just let myself go? I don’t look for friends or tell jokes to be the center of attention. My mind lets me be more of what I want and less of what others want. Who and what I am does not change with the number of people who smile at me. If I have people around me am I greater than when I stand alone? My shoes are filled with the same flesh and bone.
Brett Batten
Author. Advocate. Educator
Brett Batten 
You are yourself and I think it is good to express your best self, but not because of pressures from without, but from desire that comes from within. xx ~Sonya
Hi Sonya,
I think that if we can get past what we might imagine others may think, our best self does come through. I think Einstein had the right idea; the hair on ones head is less important than what resides in it. I’m sure he owned a comb but why bother? I don’t bother but baldness is another topic 🙂 Thanks for the comments. Brett
It is maturity and good for you!
Thanks. Possibly if I cared less when I was younger I would have been more myself. Better late than never.
Popularity is definitely overrated and I’m inclined to think it is maturity too. It’s such a nicer way to feel.
If it’s maturity does that mean I have to give up my Spider-man underwear?
Hey, if you feel comfortable in it then you just carry right on. Don’t worry about anyone else’s reactions. I’ll just put my dark glasses on. 😉
Thanks for the permission, it’s always felt like a guilty pleasure. I’m no super-hero but I can always dress like one.
Never feel bad for expressing who you really are, or even think you are.
It is being a grown up and being comfortable in your own skin. Funny how that works, isn’t it.
Yes, it’s sad how much time we spend on shedding our skin when in fact it is the only one worth wearing.
Thanks for stopping by my site – and for the inspiration you’re offering here. Sunshine to you – j.
Hi Julianna, The funny thing about inspiration is that we cannot offer it unless we borrow some from others…hence the visit to your site. I will be back for some of that sunshine. Thanks, Brett
Ahhh – it’s the artist filling their Well… so important to refill, so that we continually have more to give. Thanks for this note Brett! Peace to you – j.
Its a place of freedom your are describing.
I agree, the further one moves from the expectations of others the more genuine we can be which is freedom.