"من همان چیزی هستم که هستم و خجالت نمی‌کشم. هرگز خجالت نکش پدر قدیمیم می‌گفت برخی علیه تو دست می‌گیرند اما آن‌ها ارزش اهمیت دادن ندارند"

This quote speaks to the essence of embracing who you are without shame and not letting others’ judgments weigh you down. It’s about standing tall in your own skin, acknowledging your identity, and dismissing the opinions of those who try to bring you down.

Imagine a time when societal norms were even stricter than today—people tended to judge harshly based on appearances, class, or background. This might have been a time when someone like a working-class individual or someone with a unique trait would have faced significant scrutiny. The advice passed down from father to son in this context is both empowering and liberating. It encourages a sense of pride and self-worth that's immune to the criticisms of narrow-minded folks.

Let’s think about a high school student named Jamie. Jamie loves painting but isn't the best at math. Some students mock Jamie for being "bad at numbers," but Jamie's art teacher sees the incredible talent in those brush strokes. Jamie’s dad always says, "Never be ashamed of who you are. Embrace your strengths and don't worry about those who try to bring you down." Inspired by this, Jamie focuses on art with a passion, creating stunning pieces that catch the eye of a local gallery owner. Despite the teasing at school, Jamie’s art ends up in a prestigious exhibition, impressing everyone—including those who once mocked.

To apply this wisdom, start by identifying the areas where you feel most judged or insecure. Is it your job, your hobbies, your looks? Acknowledge these parts of yourself. Next, recognize that the people making you feel ashamed are not adding value to your life. They’re the ones not worth bothering with. Surround yourself with supportive friends and mentors who appreciate you for who you are. And always remember: your uniqueness is your strength.

Let me share a story about my friend, Alex. Alex grew up loving comic books. He’d spend hours drawing his favorite characters, dreaming up stories. But middle school wasn’t kind to Alex. He got teased for his “childish” hobby. For a while, he hid his drawings, feeling ashamed. Then one day, Alex’s grandfather found some of his sketches. Instead of disapproval, he said, “Never be ashamed of what you love. The world needs more people who follow their passions.” Alex took that to heart. He kept drawing, eventually creating his own comics. Fast forward a few years—those same kids who teased him were lining up at comic conventions to get his autograph.

So, if you ever find yourself doubting who you are because of external pressures, think about Alex. Think about Jamie. Think about the advice from the quote. It’s okay to be yourself, and it’s okay to ignore those who don’t see your value. Embrace your quirks, your passions, everything that makes you, you. Because those who matter won’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.