Don't be afraid to like what you like no matter what other people like. I was into recycling and taking care of the earth when everyone I knew didn't believe in climate change. They didn't see the point in recycling and didn't view taking care of the earth as a command in the Bible as I did. This is when I was in middle school. I valued not wasting things and taking care of the animals God gave us.
I had a lot of guy friends as a high schooler and although I had a great friendship with them, looking back, they definitely treated me more like a little sister, than an equal. Because of this, I avoided doing normal growing up things like wearing makeup, perfume, trying to look what I viewed as beautiful. I knew when I did, they would act like it was silly and I would feel awkward. I have realized since then, that I should have just done what I wanted to do. I spent my 20's and 30's learning what I liked in those areas because I always felt ridiculous when I did try to do fancier things. I have realized this was something left over from then, that I needed to shake. I was a tom boy so I didn't' always want to do those things, but when I did, I chickened out and didn't because I dreaded their reaction. Don't try to look older or be someone you are not, but if you want to wear make up, perfume, jewelry, or a dress and heals, do it! Even if you are just hanging out in your house! Or if you want to wear your hair in a messy bun, with a t-shirt and jeans, that's okay too. Be you, and people that really care about you will love you anyway. And if they see how happy you are, it will probably be contagious!
I am a Christian and don't believe what a lot of people who carry that name in my country believe. I have always based my beliefs on what I read in the Bible and what I felt like God told me. I listened to my pastor and Bible teachers in my life, but always ran it back through the Bible.
As an adult, I push myself to listen to other people's point of view and try to make sure what I think are facts, are truly facts. I love the internet for that! We are no longer just exposed to what our friend's, family, community leaders, and local news stations think. We can look up many people's perspective and have a greater empathy and understanding for other people.
Don't be afraid to change your position on something if you learn new information. Growing and changing is part of being human. As Christians, we believe we are flawed sinners, even after becoming a Christian, but God perfects us one issue at a time. We never reach perfection, but my point is opening your heart to be changed is part of being a Christian and being human in general.
But please be careful who you listen to, people can say anything they want. Challenge what you hear and look up the opposite position too. If only one person or even a few people think something, and the overwhelming majority of their profession thinks the opposite, you should think carefully and weigh what they have to say against any facts you can find on the issue.
Remember, your flaws are not who you are. I would have described myself as messy, late, disorganized, etc in the past. But those are skills of mine that are weak, and that are getting stronger as I work on them. Those are not who I am. If I'm honest, those are just insults placed on me when I was younger that I have had to learn to separate from my personality.
Neither are your habits. I used to have long hair, wear t-shirts & jeans, and have my hair up all the time. I didn't work out much, or wear make up. But I have cut my hair short again, started wearing dresses more, wear my hair down almost every day, and wear at least a little make up almost every day. I'm also working on working out more. I didn't change who I was, I just changed some habits. I also used to stay up late at night and sleep in late. I have been going to bed most evenings not long after my kids now and working on getting up earlier. Again, just habits I decided to change. I could go on and on, but my point is, who you are is not based on these things. If you decide to change these things, you are not a different person. You are not going against who you are. You are just growing as a person and liking new things.
Who you are is who you are at your core, in your mind, heart, and soul. You can be kind, loving, compassionate, generous, smart, accepting, encouraging, creative, etc. THAT is who you are.
