“To be great is to be misunderstood.” (Emerson, 392). How
true is this statement, yet how confusing can it be? Many people think that you
must conform to society to be thought of as great. That is wrong! “No kernel of
nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of
ground which is given to him to till.” (Emerson, 391). When you do what God has
given you to do, you will truly burst forth with many reapings of good fortune.
It’s when you follow the crowd that your true gifts are not used to their full
potential. “A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work
and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no
peace.” (Emerson, 391).
It can
be very hard sometimes to not want to be part of the crowd or “popular” kids,
but we must remember this. “Envy is ignorance.” (Emerson, 391). Growing up I
always hung out with the same group of friends, but when we got into Middle
School, my life started to change. It wasn’t that they were mean to me. I just
didn’t fit in with them like I did in Elementary school. They were going their
ways, and I was starting to go mine. I fought this change with all my might. I
would even sit in the gym sometimes, and think of things to say that would make
them like me more. Now I know that was foolish. I was becoming my own person,
and it was stupid of me to try to be someone I wasn’t. My ideas were changing.
My body was changing. My dreams were changing. With all these changes, I
had to accept the fact that things weren’t going to stay the same. God
had a plan for my life that I couldn’t see at the age of 11. I recently
realized something. What was I benefiting from fighting this wonderful blessing
when I could be embracing it? I should be enjoying it. I fit in with my best
group of friends I have now. I have found my friendship home. I feel safe with
them. I don’t have to try to please them. When I’m with them, I’m at my
happiest! I’m myself. I’m so blessed, and I’m glad I finally get see it! So I’ll repeat Emerson with this
quote. “Is it so bad to be misunderstood?” (Emerson, 392). Even though not
everyone is going to like you, what you do, and what you stand for, it doesn’t
mean you have to worry about it. Being who you really are will bring you much
more happiness than you can ever imagine. We are made with God’s gentle touch
and deep thoughtfulness. Everything about us is perfect in his eyes, so be
yourself! What’s the worst that could happen?
