Follow Suits?

When I was young, I once deliberately covered up the fact that I adore one of the most popular characters of the time - Blossom from the Powerpuff Girls, because I felt like it was "taken" by my childhood best friend. When I grew older, I hesitated to buy a phone case I loved so badly, because someone close to me had the exact same one. Or, do you feel this way too? When someone close to you is literally the spokesperson of a brand, you pause before adding the item to your own cart.

To this date, I still found myself hesitant to go for the choices that are "taken" by others. 

For some funny reasons, we hold our horses to what we love or what suits us. 

Yes, I know we've talked about not being shameful when taking less popular paths, be brave to compose in your own unique style and chase after your passion. Well, here we are, not to dismiss what we've talked about previously, rather, to expand the idea, to clarify the concept, and to give it a fuller illustration of the view.

The Criticism of "Follow Suits"

When we modishly follow the trend, say, we purchase a pair of the most up-to-date, cool-looking kicks and its tracksuit set. Odds are, some will say "Wow, you look fashionable!" whilst some says "You blindly follow the lead and are not developing your own style".

Similarly, when an elder sibling studied a particular major at university, say Business, while a few years later the younger sibling as well enrols in Business school. Chances are, voices arise saying the younger sibling go after the same route. 

In order to avoid claims like "lacking your own critical thinking", we sometimes intentionally pick the alternative options even when our heart knows we agree with the "popular" choice. 

The Era of Distinctiveness

We are taught and encouraged to be unique in infinite circumstances. For instance, we no longer have a binary vegetarian categorisation, we have a vegetarian spectrum. And the list goes on and on. Customisation being such a huge trend is another proof. Multinational sports companies allow patterns, colours and design on sneakers to be customised; the icon of our phone's apps can be personalised, etc... and we don't see this trend leaving soon. 

We tend to identify ourselves based on our distinctive features because we wanted to feel and be praised for being special, innovative and extraordinary. For styles, opinions and choices that are within our control, we love to show that we are shining in our own way, thus we learn and absorb from here and there and later integrate it into our own way. 

What if I like Someone Else's Design Choices? 

What if someone else's customisation reflects my personality, too? 

With all the practice we have for being special, it could appear to some a bit gloomy to admit that we thoroughly like other's customised design. A group of people may decide not to recreate it and try their very best to create something different for themselves. 

But truth be told, do we have to be unique in every way possible? 

What about Life Choices?

Life is a combination of customisation. We are responsible for making choices, like in those interactive video / mobile games. In our life, we select our style of communicating, we choose what we want to study, we decide how to spend our money, we settle on where we want to live, we elect who to befriend with and who to trust. 

Whereas different from sportswear customisation, it is never possible to replicate someone else' life entirely. Despite two individuals who are faced with the same life choice, consequences that follow up can be shockingly varied. It is reflected in one of the interactive video games I used to play, different scenes would be shown based on the player's previous choices in the game. 

All in all, what I'm trying to say is, don't be overly obsessed with being unique and extraordinary. It's fine to share the same answer as others in some life questions, both big and small ones. For example, just because your brother studies Business doesn't mean the path is taken; your friend is a semi-vegetarian doesn't make your title as a semi-vegetarian less valid; a particular combination of patterns, colour and design is popular for customised sneaker doesn't mean you can't pick them all, too. 

It's entirely up to you. Because even when you have the same answer, your experience will never ever be a replication. 

People make choices based on a great deal of reasons, even when the answer end up to be the same, the formula used to arrive at an answer is sophisticatedly different. I'd say, don't care too much about other's formula, focus on yours. 

If you think a popular choice defines you, go for it. If you feel aligned with the voice of popular, be brave enough to voice it out, too. Again, don't let anyone disapprove of your decision. Don't let any of these excuses hold you back from embracing who you are and what you love. 

Wholeheartedly,

The Lights Within

P.S. We're now Walking for Autism!

We are excited to announce that we've participated in "Walk for Autism"! By taking part in Walk for autism, we will help provide the best opportunities for people of all ages on the autism spectrum from tailored educational support to fulfilling work lives and improved social environments. 

To help create a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind, we are currently raising funds to support. We'll be walking 10,000 for 8 days. Please help make our steps count and show your support by donating today!

https://www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/thelightswithin/walk-for-autism