Stop Focusing So Much On Being ‘Cool’ And Just Be You

Do you ever find yourself comparing your happiness to others? To the classmate who sits next to you? Your coworker? Or your friend on social media? Well, it’s time you hear that everyone’s happiness is different; everyone finds joy in different things. You may not be delighted by things that everyone else is and that is perfectly fine! Don’t ever knock yourself for enjoying something that may not be the “cool” thing.

Over the past year, I’ve found myself trying new hobbies I never would’ve pursued in the past. I realized that I constricted myself to this box of who I thought I was and who I thought the outside world saw me as.

In the past year, I’ve tried painting and photography, I’ve dug deeper with my writing and experimented with cooking more, and I developed a greater love for exploring the outdoors. I’ve always thought my passions only lied within athletics and with my spare time reading various genres of books.

I realized with trying new things, I was finding joy in places I never thought I would. Someone else may find joy in sewing, someone may find joy in collecting small figurines or coins. And guess what?! THAT’S AWESOME! If someone has the courage to find a hobby that brings them happiness, then they are doing it right. Don’t fall into the trap of looking to your friends or to society to tell you what you should do. Don’t think for one second that your passion is “uncool” or people won’t understand it.

I hope we all can take time during the next few months and try some new hobbies out. Try to learn an instrument, try fishing or gardening, go dumpster diving. Or, if you simply find joy in being with your family and loved ones! There’s an endless list of things you can do; you just have to have the courage to try it! Don’t let yourself do what I did and confine yourself to a box, don’t limit yourself to what you “think” you can do. Happiness looks different for everyone, you just need to go out and find it for yourself.