This week I binged an entire show with my aunt in two days (which, in the world we live in today, is almost nothing). It was a reality show called The Circle, and I — being gullible and wanting to believe that whatever someone puts online is the truth — was hooked into this world of influencers, catfishing, and the question, “is this a real connection?” I watched and laughed as each character gave their own reactions to everyone’s personalities, whether they be genuine or fake, and with that I made my own judgements.
Even though I enjoyed the show, it got me thinking about myself. If I were in their shoes, and I could be anybody, would I have the confidence to be myself? I mean, let’s face it, we all have insecurities. Currently, I’m going through a time where I don’t like my nose. But would I change myself for popularity? Fame? Fortune? Knowing that for those things the cost is genuineness. Would I make it far in this game as myself? I’m a klutz, and a know-it-all, and a pushover. Would I pretend I didn’t have these qualities? I’ve had a hard time being a mixed raced woman. Would I be white? Would I choose to be a man? The entire world is your option. If you can find a photo of it, you can be it.
Personally, I think I’d be myself. My reasoning isn’t because you can get far in life being yourself, although that is very well possible. My reasoning is — I can be all the things I want to be. Sure, I may not be able to alter my appearance unless I drop 10K on some mega surgery, but I can be everything I’ve always wanted. I’m beautiful, and I can be kind, confident and sexy without becoming someone named Laura who has lived in the valley all her life. I am Steph, and everyday I’m a little bit different, and everyday I become more and more the person I have always wanted to be. So, as you go out into the world after quarantine has been lifted and everyone is racing to go back to their normal lives, take a deep breath, count to ten, and choose who you want to be. You can be anyone you want to be. You are whoever you want to be.