How to be myself?

Question

How can I have the courage to be myself? To finally do what I want?

My father taught me to be someone I am not, and I don't think will ever accept me or support me being the person I know I am at heart.

I think I have a lot of fear about really going for it and being myself. The things I want to do are not typical in your society. I fear rejection, failure, laughter, criticism...

How can I get past this? Is there anyone out there who is really living from their 'soul'? How do you stay strong in the face of criticism and unsupportive family ?

Just to clarify, I am NOT gay, not that I think that is something to be ashamed of.

The way I want to make a living is what is not typical, most would call it impractical, flaky, you know, all that...

Answer 1

You choose a different father. The one in Heaven. You have an earthly father who has failed you. Your heavenly father will not forsake you. Do not worry what others think of you. You need to be confortable in your own skin. It is you that is living your life, not them. Ultimately people don't care how you live your life as long as it is not hurting anyone. The only two that should care are you and God... and well, your future wife (don't worry about her yet). Start working toward the person you want to be. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life. Be proud of the decisions you make, be remorseful if you screw up. Enjoy being you. Forgive yourself, forgive your family. Move on. You are into adult hood and deserve a good life. You are no longer a child, so you need to put your childhood in the past. I pray you have a terrific day! God Bless.

Answer 2

It isn't easy. I am the only atheist in a family of fanatical christians. I am regularly not invited to family events or given the cold shoulder when I show up. Many of my family members won't allow their children to play with or visit my daughter because they think we are bad people because we don't believe the way they do. It isn't easy to live like that, but I keep trying in the hope that if I keep reaching out, someone will respond. I continue to live the best life I can and tell myself that there is nothing wrong with my decisions and that they are inthe wrong. Some times it helps more than others but on bad days, I look at my daughter growing up free to make her own choices without guilt and realize it is worth it.
As for your situation, every one fears those things. You need to find other people who feel the same way and form a support group for yourself, people who will care for you no matter what. Then talk to your father. Many people mellow as they age, esp if they realize it may cost them their child if they continue the way they are.

Answer 3

Taugh question, very hard to answer. I don't know how old you are and what are your circumstances, but I left my parents at the age of 21, just moved out, got a job and took responsibilities for myself. Any mistake - my mistake. You seem to have a lack of confidence, partly because of your father. Parents should tell their kids to be whatever they want to be and love them for that.
You need to figure out what is that you want to do with your life, only you, noone else. What do you like? What are your dreams? Do you have any friends who can help you? Once you find the courage to do what you want, stick by it, its your life and you live it only once. Follow your dreams, make it happen. I have my fingers crossed for you. Take care

Answer 4

They're going to tell you god loves you, until they find out your gay. Hold your head up high and be yourself.

Answer 5

When you come to the realization that God loves you just the way you are it will set you free. I used to try and please everyone it can't be done, but if we try and please God he will take care of everyone else.

Answer 6

use your guts and why imitate David?