The power of being non conformist from within

Hi Sweethearts! Sometimes I have already written the post describing how I feel. Feeling empowered from reading my own words is a beautiful thing. This is as me as my posts get. My friend Ambu recently described me as non conformist. I felt very happy to read that she perceives me in this way, I felt seen. Ambu described how she feels that I don`t let society dictate my choices and that I do not follow prescribed norms and standards. Being the thinker that I am, I have been reflecting on this, always open to observing and learning about my self. Am I non conformist? Yes, I am. Am I non conformist in the sense that I oppose autority on principal? No, I am not. I am non conformist from within. I grew up being told who I am, what to think, what to feel. I was continously demanded to adapt, to not be my self, to be invisble so as to not cause any discomfort to my surroundings. I grew up feeling completely invaded and ridiculed, living in a secret world that only existed in my dreams. I would have dissapeared all toghether had I not had had a warrior inside of me, a sensitive and brave warrior. I know the pain of not being recognized for who I am, of not being validated, of being forced to subscribe to standards that are not my own. I saved my self by deciding to face life head on, to believe in my self in spite of everything I was tought about my self. I finally got pissed off, and I got busy claiming my own and all of our right to define our selves, both in my professional and personal life. Damn right I am non conformist. I was tought that I am so unworthy that I should not even take up space in the sofa and was made to stand day in and out. Today I dare to sit down, I know I am equal to every one else. I will offer my seat to guests, but because I am kind, not because I am unworthy. I was tought that I am so unattractive that my mere precense made other people nauseated. Today I dare to recognize that I not only have internal beauty. I am intellectual. I always follow my intuition. I am highly educated with an amazing job. I am working towards a career change, chosing a worklife that is high on creativity and low on certainty. I am well conversed in the art of keeping up appearances and modesty. I speak from my heart, honestly, directly, with lots of warmth. I am humble and voulnerable, but I do not belittle or apologize for my self and my talents. I lived in a very dark and anxeity ridden place for years. I laugh in that oh-so-mannish-roaring-with-knee-slapping-to-go-way many, many times a day. My experiences growing up showed me the ugly side of the human spirit. I still believe in the good in every person. I am curvy. I don`t identify as a fatshionista, but as a fashionista. I don`t mind being called fatshionista, but it is not a label I feel limited by. I follow trends. But only if I like them. I am aware of the do`s and don`ts of dressing as a plus sized woman. I screw these rules on a regular basis. I am a fashion blogger. I don`t have clothes from major brands. I don`t have lots of accessories. I only wear my own (reworked) designs. I blog about the deeper meaning behind my fashion. I am non conformist in the deepest sense of the word. I am living my life by my own standards. Non conformism. Dignity. Self respect. Humility. Love. You feel me? I would love to connect with you! [email protected] @AnikaByAnika Facebook For the full impact of your wonderful comments go to #byanikareaders where I quote and share your best ones! The power of being non conformist from within originally appeared on By Anika Curvy fashionista. Self worth activist. Playful. Voulnerable. Strong. Budding designer. I am Anika on 25/02/2012.