My dear you, life is too short to live according to other people’s expectations. The greatest gift you can give yourself is the freedom to be who you truly are. But what does it really mean to be free, be true and be you? In this piece, we tend to break it down in a way that makes sense and is easy to apply to your daily life.
1. Be Free – Let Go of Fear and Expectations
Many of us, young people, struggle with the pressure of fitting in. Society, family and even friends often have expectations about how we should behave, dress, or live our lives. But real freedom comes when you stop living for others and start making choices that align with your values and dreams.
Let’s consider this example. Sarah always wanted to be a writer, but her parents wanted her to study medicine. She spent years trying to meet their expectations until she realized she was unhappy. When she finally chose writing, she felt free and today, she is a successful author. What this means is that your happiness matters. Live for you!
How to Apply It:
· Identify areas where you feel trapped by others' expectations.
· Start making small decisions that reflect your true desires.
· Surround yourself with people who support your dreams.
2. Be True – Stay Honest with Yourself
Being true to yourself means embracing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses and never pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about living with integrity and staying authentic even when it’s hard.
In the case of Jake, he was always pretending to like things he didn’t just to fit in with his friends. One day, he decided to stop pretending and started being himself—an artist who loved painting instead of playing football. At first, some friends left, but eventually, he found people who truly appreciated him. This means that the right people will accept you for who you are. Remain your true self.
How to Apply It:
· Stop saying “yes” when you mean “no.”
· Embrace your talents, passions, no matter how different they are.
· Accept that not everyone will like you and that’s okay.
3. Be You – Celebrate Your Uniqueness
No one else in the world is exactly like you. Your experiences, thoughts and dreams make you unique. Instead of trying to blend in, stand out and celebrate what makes you different. Be your own biggest fan.
Tina used to be shy about her love for African fashion because most of her classmates wore Western styles. One day, she decided to wear a vibrant Kaba outfit and people admired her confidence. Soon, she started a fashion brand celebrating African culture. What makes you different is often your biggest strength!
How to Apply It:
· Write down what makes you unique and celebrate it.
· Find a way to use your uniqueness to inspire or help others.
Be Free. Be True. Be You. These aren’t just words—they are a lifestyle. The more you embrace them, the more fulfilled and happier you’ll be. It’s time to stop pretending, let go of fear and step boldly into the world as your authentic self.
