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Find Your Smile: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

#SoManyReasonsToSmile2020

"Just be yourself and stay true to your core values."


When I moved to Dubai in 2012, 

I was appalled that I wasn’t able to enter 

some of the most trendy clubs without wearing a pair of heels. 

Despite the fact that I grew up wearing dresses as a figure skater, 

I’ve never really been known to be a ‘girly girl’ 

and wearing dresses and heels isn’t exactly a regular occurrence for me.


I’ve evolved A LITTLE since then, but still, I don’t ‘dress-up’ very often.

A few weeks ago, a guy was surprised when I mentioned that I rarely wear (or even own for that matter) make-up and heels and he preceded by wishing me good luck in finding a date. Of course, his blunt reaction and snarky comment did not sit well with me. For a moment, I wondered: ‘Is this really what all guys look for? Is something wrong with me? Do I need to make some changes?’ However, after some time passed, I reminded myself that just because I don’t meet this individual’s standards, that doesn’t mean I need to change who I am.

I've chosen to walk a particular path in life; 

one which, above all, prioritises 

love, respect, hard-work, growth and what I like to refer to as good morals. 

I am by no means perfect, 

so I do occasionally find myself changing directions, 

getting off track, making what I deem to be 'poor choices' and then questioning myself. 

That being said, I always try to bounce back by reflecting, being honest with myself, 

learning from my 'mistakes', forgiving myself and moving forward.


What's disturbing though is when I begin questioning myself 

AS A RESULT OF other people's thoughts and actions. 

It’s one thing for me to question myself, 

but, when others blatantly question and/or challenge some of my life choices 

(like why I don't wear heels and make-up for example - this is just one of many), 

I can't help but feel like I am being judged and looked down on. 

I most definitely believe that everyone is entitled to their opinions, 

but I don’t think it’s ok for anyone to make me feel bad for the choices I make for myself 

and even more so for not meeting their personal expectations.


There are definitely times when I feel like it would be easier to conform to what everyone 

(family, friends, colleagues, guys...) 

else around me wants or expects, 

but it can be incredibly stressful and exhausting 

to try to create a version of yourself 

that you believe the world will accept. 

Of course, I want to be accepted and loved (after all, we are social creatures), 

but not at the cost of losing myself and giving up my core values.


I’m almost certain many of you reading are thinking 

1- What a jerk! and 2- Who cares what he and others think! 

However, let’s be honest, the latter is often easier said than done. 

That being said, despite how upsetting this most recent comment was, 

it’s led me to a better place. 

More than ever, it’s made me want to be myself 

and be surrounded by people who like me just the way I am. 


When I think back to some of the compliments I have once received at any given time, 

one of my all-time favorites is "You're not like others." 

(not you have a great body, you're cute, you're beautiful, you're hot, you're sexy or you're strong - though these are all very kind and flattering). 

“You’re not like others.” hits me differently; 

it reminds me that I am authentic, that I am living an honest life 

and that I have truly done my job being my unique self despite what others may think.


 "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."


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