Honoring Our True Interests

Have you ever felt embarrassed by some of your interests, passions, or hobbies? Unfortunately, many people do, but why is that? The thing is, our interests don't always line up with the socially accepted standards with which we are being so constantly bombarded. However, I believe it is in spite of this that we must honor our passions and unique gifts simply for the sake of our own happiness.

For example, when I walk into a crystal shop it instantly becomes my happy place, as I have always had an affinity for crystals and the energy they possess. Now, if I went into the middle of Wall Street and stopped some people near by to talk about my love of crystals, I am more than certain I would initially receive many mad stares and rolled eyes. But it doesn't matter to me because I know this is something that I enjoy.

The point is, if you truly resonate with a hobby, interest, and/or belief, there is no need to explain it or justify it to others who do not understand. The most important thing is to honor your own methods of self-expression and trust that there is a reason for these interests in your life. Not everything we do will be socially accepted by the masses. Not everything we like will be liked by others too. But does that really matter? If people won't accept you for who you are and what you like, then do you really need those types of relationships in your life? Instead, find your tribe, because they do exist.

There are many things that are misunderstood, and sometimes there are people who simply don't want to understand. But when we stand in our truth, the only real thing that matters is that we accept ourselves and walk with confidence in our unique path. When we are insecure of who we are, everyone can feel it and we become sitting ducks for criticism. But when we fully accept who we are and what we love, others feel that confidence too. And even if they do criticize, we won't be negatively affected by it because we simply won't care.

I stopped trying to "convince" other people along time ago. I stopped justifying my beliefs and I stopped trying to argue my point so that other people would get it. Instead, I decided to accept people as they are and accept myself without apology. That way I could always be at peace. In truth, I started learning this lesson pretty early on, from the time when I brought "weird" health foods to school and most people didn't get it, to my interests in esoteric and mystical studies that, again, were not always popular topics of discussion outside the house. Eventually, though, I realized that the best way for any of us to truly come into our full power is to mindfully indulge in what feeds our soul, even if others don't understand it. And as long as what we do is not harmful to others, we need never feel guilty, apprehensive, or ashamed of being who we are or liking what we like. I feel really blessed to have this type of stubborn determination, but I guess it was years in the making, starting with learning how to stand in my uniqueness as early as I can remember.

Always remember, your expressions and passions make you who you are. We do not all have to be the same; that would be way too boring, if you ask me.

*Appealing Environments (Rock Shop), Collingwood, Ontario