Day 43

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In first grade on a field trip, I bought vanilla ice cream instead of chocolate because that's what all the other kids did. I really had no love for vanilla ice cream, but I couldn't stand to be the odd one out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

This was pretty much the theme of my life for the longest time. Always molding myself to be what others thought I should be. Always trying to fit in, always trying to be just like everyone else. So of course, I had multiple personalities. I was one person in school, another at home and yet another at the masjid. It got to the point where I wasn't really sure who I was or what I wanted in life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 
Recently I've realized I've changed. This epiphany came to me at a Mediterranean restaurant when I insisted on grape leaves. No one person I know can stand them but I can't explain my love for them. And I will not apologize for my preferences as I did when I was younger. I will not apologize for my personality and being who I am. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

I've discovered that I'm comfortable stating my opinion. I've discovered that I'm comfortable holding my ground. I've discovered that I'm comfortable not living the stereotype people expect of me. 
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And today, #43, I'm grateful that I'm finally at this place in my life. And I'm grateful to my husband for bringing me here.⠀


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#grateful
#gratitude
#365days
#day43
#grateful365 
#speakup