My Original Clip said:

The Group Myth
In many aspects of our lives, we look to others for what is acceptable, desirable and appropriate. The fashion pages of modern magazines bear witness to collective beliefs of how to dress, present ourselves and evaluate others. Cultural and social expectations further influence the course of our life choices. We rarely stop to question whether this is the path we want to take. We experience temporary freedom when we break from the norm. For example, the ‘gap year’ or ‘overseas experience’ when young people travel, or personal development courses offer the opportunity to reflect on our lives. However, reflection is often explored within equally s...

My Original Clip said:

The Group Myth
In many aspects of our lives, we look to others for what is acceptable, desirable and appropriate. The fashion pages of modern magazines bear witness to collective beliefs of how to dress, present ourselves and evaluate others. Cultural and social expectations further influence the course of our life choices. We rarely stop to question whether this is the path we want to take. We experience temporary freedom when we break from the norm. For example, the ‘gap year’ or ‘overseas experience’ when young people travel, or personal development courses offer the opportunity to reflect on our lives. However, reflection is often explored within equally safe boundaries which are acceptable and predictable.
So how do we choose what is right for us in a world that offers us so many answers? Accept that you are unique and what will bring you happiness will be very different from someone else. Question the norms which influence your life and focus on what you enjoy – even if it contradicts what people of your age, gender and culture expect. Relationships can be a source of mutual enjoyment. Therefore, only allow people into your life who accept you for who you want to be rather than who they want you to be.