Saying no...

by Chimwemwe Mwale

One of the biggest challenges we face today is loving ourselves and accepting who we are.

A lot of people find this hard and make decisions based on other people’s influences or pressures.

Today, it seems that life is all about partying, getting drunk, having lots of sex and taking drugs – and anything away from that can be seen as not living at all to many.

'Cool'

People remind you that you only live once and that it’s ‘cool’ to live that life to its extremes.

So what about the other group of people who choose to live a different life to that mentioned above?

People who choose not to party, not to take alcohol or drugs and to abstain from sex?

Those who instead choose to live a quiet life, stay indoors and watch TV or read a book?

Or go to church perhaps.

Peer pressure

The fact that they live a different life that could be seen as puzzling and boring by many of their peers puts even more pressure on them to stick to what they believe in and not succumb to what is ‘expected’ of them.

Sticking to one’s principles always guarantees self satisfaction.

A sense of control over your life and inner joy because being able to do what you want and when you want is not only a sign of strength, confidence and belief in yourself but also an expression of how much you love yourself and want to make yourself happy rather than live a life of regret.

Succumbing to peer pressure has consequences and leaves you with a sense of emptiness.

Independent decisions

You have the right to live your life the way you want to and make independent decisions without feeling peer pressure.

Be who you are.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to this – and the end result will be loving yourself more.