Do you feel you’re:-
- too short
- too tall
- too fat
- too thin
- hair too straight
- hair too curly
- nose too big
- nose too crooked
- legs too long
- legs too short
- too fair
- too dark
Goodness! The list goes on, doesn’t it?!
We’re human and we’ll never be satisfied with what we have. But here’s an interesting question for today – “Are you happy being just you?” 🙂
I’m human and thus not infallible. I confess to always wanting more – to be thinner, taller, richer, prettier … you name it, I’ve wished it at some point.
But it was only when I paused for a moment, took a step back, and took a good critical look at my life, that I realized that whilst it was fine to wish to be all those things, I really should just be happy with being just me, and enjoying my life right now, instead of craning my neck over the horizon to see what might be better. I have all my 5 senses intact, I have all 10 fingers and toes, I have a roof over my head and food in my belly and am relatively hale and hearty.
I really am not doing too badly, everything considered 🙂 Being ambitious is one thing, being unhappy with being who you are, and not doing much about it, is another.
And when I had that realization, I also learnt to be a little happier with what I have and with being just me. Of course, some of the wants are still there, but I try to not let it upset me anymore. I now look at things more critically and I’d like to think, am a lot happier for it 🙂
Your say: Are you happy being you? If you aren’t, perhaps its time to take stock of things 🙂
Paris B
Jasmine says
Well … I’m generally quite insouciant – I couldn’t care less about competing with the rest of the women who are perpetually vying to be beautiful, but when it comes to relationships sometimes I feel quite inadequate because I’m not the best person I can be for my significant other.
Wish I could be less hairy, more toned and have perfect (and not allergy-ridden) skin! 🙂
ParisB says
I’m sure you are doing great Jasmine, and that your SO appreciates what you do nonetheless. Sometimes, we are too hard on ourselves 🙂
Sandra says
I feel I am too thin! Every time I meet my family and relative on holidays I dread the question “are you eating well?” It is frustrating trying to explain to them that no matter how much I eat (and if possible, hibernating for the whole year); I just couldn’t gain the weight. Ooh! I hate being called skinny!
ParisB says
Interestingly, I’ve met a few people in your situation. Just count yourself lucky you can have all the chocolate you want, while the rest of the female population content themselves with the smell 😉 So long as you’re happy and healthy, I think its all good!
Emma EL says
…i don’t have a supermodel bods, i don’t have a flawless complexion, i don’t have a silky straight hair… but i love myself, am happy to be who i am.. 🙂
ParisB says
hehe… I don’t either! 😀
Charlene says
Quite so. Most of the time the aspects we want to improve, we don’t realize, are either superficial or materialistic. Hehe. We can never have too many wants, can we?
Despite all those wants, we have to know valuable things are immeasurable 🙂 Things that make us, US.
ParisB says
If we stop wanting, we probably stop living 😉 But yes, there are some things that are uniquely us and I think we should all take a moment to appreciate that 🙂
lynne says
Well I would definitely like to lose some weight and have a bit more money to spend, but all things considering, I AM happy. Because I am thankful for my loving (albeit the teeniest bit dysfunctional) family, amazing friends, my health and having a job I truly enjoy. Sometimes life passes us by so quickly we forget to stop, take a breather and count our blessings. Thanks for posting this – I’m sure it made more than a few of us stop for a few moments and think about ourselves and our lives (something many of us sorely need, for sure!).
ParisB says
I’m glad you found this useful Lynne 🙂 In this fast paced world, its so easy to get lost in wants and needs right? Taking a moment to count our blessings and appreciate ourselves is what we need from time to time 🙂
LeGeeque says
I’m happy with the way I look because like you, we’ll never achieve that level of perfection we aspire for in terms of looks. Even supermodels have their insecurities. All I do is make do with what I have and enhance them.
What I’d like is to be myself and not try to form or change myself into someone that someone else wants me to be. Be true to myself and accept that I have flaws, I have my strengths and it’s the whole package that makes me ME.
ParisB says
I don’t think we should be changing ourselves to suit others’ ideals although it might happen unconsciously. We all have strengths and weaknesses and it is for others to accept us as we are *hugs*
beetrice says
With everything that’s happened in the past few months, it’s been pretty hard to look at the bright side of things…but hey, they’re slowly getting better. And once we hit April, I should be on track to get back to my old self!
All things considered, I do have a lot to be thankful for. Gotta start listing those blessings down! 🙂
ParisB says
So sorry to hear things have been rough, but I’m sure everything will eventually sort itself out, or get sorted out one way or another. We all have a lot to be thankful for, and I’m sure you do too 🙂
Eli says
Except for the lack of sleep, LDR and low pay… I wouldn’t exchange my life and looks for anyone else’s.
Well, maybe Vanessa Paradis’. Or whoever is dating Edward Norton.
ParisB says
LOL!
Mrs Top Monkey says
Well I do wish I were slimmer in the right places, I wish I were smarter and prettier. I sure wish I have smaller feet so that I can wear all those pretty shoes! But then I look at my two boys – the little one and the big one – and I think, “Wouldn’t trade this life for any other.”
I guess it’s just a matter of perspective. No one has everything. But end of the day, all things considered, I’m happy being me – flaws and all – because I’ve got all the things (and people) that really matter to me.
ParisB says
If we had everything and no more wants, I think that’s also quite boring no? 😉 Isn’t nice to reach that zen place in life when you can say “Yes I think I’m happy even if I’m imperfect” 🙂
lemon says
I think we are very lucky, look at Japan Tsunami, people are homeless now, lost loved ones, exposure to radiation. Things that money can’t buy back. I agreed with you, in the sense we are in perfect health, no other major shortcomings, we should be happy. But sometimes, we just wish for a little bit more, slimmer, taller etc.
As for me, I should be happy, just that I am in the midst of change to look out for a better career/business…….which I have no idea what to do yet…..
ParisB says
I hope you get the change you want Lemon. We really should be thankful we’re all safe and well although I do sometimes think we could do with a regime change too hehe…
Hasegawa Ayane says
Funny that this came up in your post today when I was just thinking about it last night! Despite having gone through a lot of ups and downs in life, I do feel that I am happy with who I am because without the good and bad experiences, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Sure I do wish for little things (like if only I could go back to being as slim as I used to be or being more sociable) but if it’s something that I can do about it (say shedding off a few kilos and building the confidence to be more sociable), I’ll do it!
ParisB says
Serendipity! 😀 You’re right you know. Life and all the bumps and rocks that get thrown our way is what shapes us to be who we are. Like you, anything I can better myself with, I will. But darn! Getting off my butt to exercise is HARD! 😛
Isabel says
Hm. To tell the truth, I’m quite happy being me lol But of course.. Wouldn’t mind some adjustments here and there xD
ParisB says
Teehee… none of us would mind a bit of adjustment or improvement 😉
Jenn says
Given a choice i would want to be prettier, skinnier, richer, less sweaty and have the ability to eat a cow and not gain a single miligram (who doesn’t?)! But I have husband who spoils me rotten, a supportive family, a traitor dog who loves my brother more than my husband or myself, a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs and a little cash leftover to visit nearby places together – that i will not trade for anything in the world!
ParisB says
Amen! 😀
Cas says
I used to worry about my looks and body but now that I’ve bagged myself a handsome husband and gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl, all that doesn’t bother me anymore. Sure I’ve put on weight now but I would say I’m MUCH happier with life and where it has taken me.
ParisB says
You know they always say we are hardest on ourselves 🙂 I took a look at your blog and you’re beautiful and you’re right – you got yourself a gorgeous baby girl and a handsome husband to boot! 😉
Hanny says
I would love to be a better writer, musician and student. I would also love to be able to think out of the box like my other University mates in the Arts school. But most importantly I would love for my eczema to go away. I have a patch between my nosr and lips that’s constantly cracking qnd spots all over my legs.
All in all, I am rather happy with who or what I am, and I do realize that other than my eczema, all my flaws are my own doing. I guess that I’ll have to find a way to improve myself then.
ParisB says
The realization and acceptance of our flaws is the first step to doing something about it 😉 Hope you find a way to relieve the eczema
Amanda says
I can say that I’m quite satisfied with my life.
Yes, I admit I do complaining about myself in quite lot of time, easily get fat, bad skin, frizzy hair, SHORT (i just 148cm.. geez!), but I realize how beautiful my life is.
I can study abroad, I have a wonderful boyfriend, I have money to spend, I have everything I need that should be a luxury as not everyone in the world have money to spend even for food they have hard time. I dont have happy family, but I guess Im lucky enough to know my parents. Actually it is about how you see life.
Hell yeah, I’m complaining sometimes, but I know my life is great, and I love me and my life. But if I can be taller…. I wont complaining anything ever again. 😀
ParisB says
LOL! Well, eat more long beans! 😀 Or at least that’s what they say 😉 Sounds like everything’s good with you otherwise 😉
Issa says
to tell you honestly, i am not happy being myself because of the bad things that’s happening to me right now but this is an eye opener for me…thanks for your post! i will try my best to be positive … 🙂
ParisB says
Oh dear I do hope things will work out for you soon – remember, life is too short to stay unhappy for very long *hugs*
patty says
i am so far happy with what i am now aside body shape that running out, some debt..so far to think in + side i should be grateful for wht i having now:)
but i hope i can do more exercise , eat healthy and stay in good then!
ParisB says
Ah the body thing is the hardest right? Debt can be sorted out with a bit of financial management – hope all will be good with you 🙂
patty says
yalo dear, mayb bcos im lazy..hehe..i wil do my best:) if cannot then i have to just stay happy and maintain it:)
Monstro says
I am pretty happy just the way I am, although…there’s always the although…I wouldn’t mind having better skin, ya know? If I had good skin, I wouldn’t have to worry so much about using tons of makeup and skincare products and facials. 😀
ParisB says
HAHA but you see, once you have good skin, you have to maintain it! So you still need lots of makeup and skincare and facials 😉
xin says
there are so many on the list that ‘i wish i had’, but i should be contented because i have almost everything for basic living, except for lots of $$
ParisB says
Oh yeah lots of money. That’s a nice wish right? 😉