The Liberation of Self-Identity

Senetta Diane
3 min readMar 27, 2024

To thine own self be true ~ Shakespeare

A short story about self liberation

I had no idea it takes a person most of their life to come to understand who they are.

Human beings possess an innate tendency to seek acceptance and validation from others, often mirroring behaviors and traits they perceive as desirable.

However, there comes a pivotal moment in one’s journey where the pursuit of conformity loses its allure, and the quest for individuality begins.

It is in this transition that the profound realization dawns: when you relinquish the need to emulate others, you unearth the essence of your true self.

Initially, the impulse to conform stems from a primal urge for belongingness. From childhood, societal norms and cultural standards dictate what is deemed acceptable, nudging individuals towards emulation as a means of fitting in.

Yet, as we travel through life, the façade of conformity gradually wears thin. We realize that the pursuit of conformity is akin to wearing a mask, concealing our authentic selves beneath layers of pretense.

This revelation catalyzes self-discovery, propelling us toward a journey of introspection and self-awareness.

Shedding the shackles of conformity liberates us from the constraints imposed by societal expectations, allowing us to embark on a voyage of self-exploration.

As we go deeper into the recesses of our being, we unravel facets of our identity that are hidden in who we are.

The process of self-discovery is similar to peeling away layers of an onion, each layer revealing a deeper dimension of our authentic self.

We confront our fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities head-on, transcending the mask of what is trending to embrace our imperfections unabashedly.

In doing so, we cultivate a profound sense of self-acceptance, recognizing that our worth is not contingent upon external validation but derived from the authenticity of our being.

Owning who we are requires courage, for it entails deviating from the well-trodden path of conformity to chart our course.

It demands a willingness to confront societal expectations and challenge conventional norms, even in the face of adversity.

Yet, it is through this defiance that we reclaim agency over our lives, forging a path that is uniquely our own.

In embracing the new normal, we cultivate a sense of empowerment that transcends the confines of societal approval.

We no longer seek validation from external sources but derive fulfillment from the alignment of our actions with our intrinsic values and beliefs.

This newfound sense of empowerment imbues us with a resolute sense of purpose, propelling us toward our goals with unwavering determination.

Ultimately, genuineness fosters true connections with others, based not on superficiality but on mutual respect and understanding.

When we cease to emulate others and embrace our authentic selves, we attract individuals who resonate with our true essence.

These connections are grounded in originality, fostering meaningful relationships devoid of pretense or pretense.

No one can be you, how exciting is that?

Thank you for reading.

Be well!

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Senetta Diane

Author, Podcast host, empath, poet and writer trying to connect with everyday people. As a Clinician I hope my poetry and stories provide healing for the soul