Teenager

# Just be yourself

This sounds like a simple matter – after all, who else can you be? But at 17 this is not always easy. Everyone seems to have an opinion of how you should act, dress, speak and what should be important to you.

These pressures come from:

your parents

your school and teachers

your friends

your family

social media

Your own true self But in actual fact, all you should try to be is yourself – your true own self. Not some or other version of what others think you should be, but who you truly are. This means that you have to be honest about who you are – to yourself and to others. That seems easier than it really is, after all you are still figuring it out yourself. You need to accept and welcome all of yourself – your talents, quirks, looks and dreams. Do not apologise for who you are! Not everyone will understand and accept you – and at 17 there are parts of yourself that you do not understand either. Those around you who understand will respect you – and those who don’t understand you will respect your honesty. Most importantly – you will respect yourself. Choosing to be yourself in a world that is putting pressure on you to fit in is a daring and brave act!