I will not conform

We all grow up with preconceived notions about life and love. We are taught to conform when our ideals don't match our realities. But why must we change our ideals to match our reality rather than change our reality to match our ideals?

Conformity surrounds us. Peer pressure, gangs, cults, organizations, even family members ask us to change ourselves to fit into a mold. I will not. It is my right not to. It is my right to be who I want to be. I'm not crazy...I'm just not you!

When our preconceived notions get trampled and the realities set in, we learn that not every damsel has a prince; not every cloud has a silver lining; not every closed door opens a window; and not every piece of coal becomes a diamond. What we do with those realities is what makes us become who we are. Some conform to meet the demands society puts on them. Others stand strong and remain firm in their beliefs. Others still are firm in their standings yet sway just enough to fit in with their surroundings-afraid to stand out yet not meek enough to hide. Who are you?

Who am I? I'm the one in front telling society to look for conformity somewhere else. Sometimes alone, sometimes with others, but never too scared to remain firm in my beliefs. I don't need to fit in everywhere and I don't need everyone to be my friend. You can keep the diamonds...I'm happy with my coal.