S as in Self expression

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grєєtíngs humαn

Here is my attempt at the #ABCchall. I've seen this on another Amino before, and its a really awesome boost for my creativity. Hence, I wanted to give it a shot and signed up to participate!

I'll first talk a bit about how I chose the topic for this post, then we'll get right into my thoughts on self expression!

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When I recieved my letter, the first thing I thought of was obviously 'Sexuality'. But I really wanted to make this a challenge, so I didn't run with the easiest possible answer.

After wrecking my brain about which other topics I could do, one really stuck out to me. It doesn't directly relate to LGBT but at the same time has a lot to do with it. I've also never given it much thought before, giving me another reason to challenge myself. That being...

Self expression is something I as a teenager but also simply as a humam struggle with sometimes, if not always.

Especially in that stage of your life where you haven't figured yourself out yet and the unsettling question of who you really are keeps you awake at night, expressing yourself is absolutely crutial.

For some its through clothing, others music, sport or animals. Factors like social status or family can have a huge influence in how we chose to present ourselves. Sometimes to a point where we don't express ourselves but rather an idea of what people are supposed to see. Its what we call fake.

People put on a mask, hiding their real faces behind a barrier made by other peoples expectations and the fear of being judged.

Which relates directly to the LGBT community, specifically its youth. Many teenagers who are coming to with their sexual identity don't have the freedom to express this part of themselves.

I can't stress enough how much harm it can cause if people aren't true to themselves. Especially when it is forced upon them directly or indirectly (e.g. wanting to fit in).

As a teenager its only natural to want to experiment, change and have fun finding out charactertraits and being with people who understand us. Once that freedom is taken away, you can get lost in a world which is based on someone you don't even recognise.

Some tips as to what you can do to express yourself more freely include

➀ wєαr whαt чσu'rє cσmfσrtαвlє ín

regardless of what other people think of it.

nothing makes you more appealing then the confidence you will get from being comfortable.

➁ trч sσmєthíng nєw

Get a hobby or learn a new skill

even if you're unsure weither you'll like it

its always worth a try!

➂ gєt ríd σf tσхíc fríєnds

Sounds harsh, but its very worth it.

If someone is being an idiot

they don't deserve your attention.

and finally

➃ вє чσursєlf

if you are funny, tell jokes. If you like acting, get on the stage. Any ion you have is worth pursuing, any ideas you come up with worth trying. It doesn't have to be a commitment, its okay to drop it after a month. Just do whatever you feel like doing, as long as it doesn't hurt others or yourself.

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And with that last point, I will leave you all alone. I hope you enjoyed this post and my rant about this topic. I really didn't think I would feel this emotional about it but here we are.

Have a (g)ay and stay hydrated!

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