"Who cares?"
In order to fully realize the subconscious stigma that is typical of the average U.S. citizen, one might actually need to venture beyond North American borders. I found it astounding to observe how the most affluent country in the world (United States) also holds the title as the country with the lowest self-esteem. Think about it; only in America are the natives preoccupied with how we are perceived by others. In many tourist cities, countries, and continents afar… the natives appear far more comfortable in their own skin. I've made a conscious effort to observe the culture and behaviors of the natives of each destination that I've visited outside of U.S soil. Interestingly enough, citizens of foreign countries seem to possess far more self-love than the typical U.S. citizen.
Allow me to provide a perfect example. Have you ever noticed how American's are self-conscious about the type of swimwear we choose? American women who feel that they are overweight will wear a bathing suit with a wrap skirt, or a tee shirt to cover up, while on the beach. Similarly an American man, who feels that he is too thin, will likely choose to wear a tank top and long shorts. Our foreign counterparts are exactly the opposite. I've observed through my travels that regardless of shape or size, most non-U.S. citizens are comfortable donning a two-piece thong bikini and/or Speedo trunks; no wrap skirt, no towel, no baggy tee shirt, no tank top, and no aqua shoes required.
What has caused us to place these self-imposed limitations upon ourselves? Who says that we have to be a perfect ten in order to be comfortable and free to expose our true selves? I've realized that one of our biggest character flaws is the fact that we care too much about what others think of us. Interestingly enough, people who genuinely love themselves usually have no problem getting others to follow suit. The way I see it is … as long as we continue to love ourselves, we need not waste valuable time with the preoccupation of others’ opinions of us? Be blessed.
Corey R.
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