There is only one truth

I have one wish, one desire, only.
To be left alone, to be free from the
pressures of social interaction which
others deem necessary for a healthy life.

Why should my yearnings seem so bizarre,
so outrageous? I do not prescribe my ways
to anyone else, so pray, please respect them
when I choose them for myself.

It is those enforced empty duties which stop me
from thinking about the quiet, more meaningful
things which, in today’s superficial world of gadgets,
reality TV and celebrity culture are slipping away
bit by bit, until all but forgotten.

Surely time for solitude and quiet reflection is far
healthier for a sound body and mind than putting
on a mask and pretending I’m someone I’m not
just to please everybody else?

Being true to oneself takes courage, life taught me that.
It means abandoning all the lies, falsehoods and thoughts
not expressed for fear of being ridiculed. It means standing
apart from the crowd, standing up for what you believe in.

It will be tough at first, going it alone, for you will have to
show strength of character and determination not to be drawn
in by those who try to change you.

Ultimately you will learn a lot about yourself, you will feel freer,
richer and wiser about the world around you. You will be glad
you took a chance on yourself and came out the other side a
better person – someone who is comfortable in his own skin.
It is a rare and most beautiful quality to possess.

I have made that journey. It wasn’t always easy, but I know I am now
well equipped to negotiate the rocky paths which may still lie ahead.
There may be sadness, disappointment and even despair, but I will not crumble.
I will gain in knowledge, experience and wisdom. I will continue to climb
life’s steep learning curve and take pleasure from all it can teach me.

© Carola Huttmann, 07 June 2009