I'm 18, I'm invincible, so why aren't you?

[Scotsman]

Okay guys and gals, this one is going to be a mouthful --

I've got this issue with people regarding other's opinions as facts.
I'm tired of people being ruled by others.
I don't care about what people think about me in the end.
I like who I am, and I'm not going to change for anyone but myself.

Now, this may be a long read, but in my head it feels like it might be worth reading for everyone, as anyone can use this in everyday life. So I ask everyone this question:

I'm 18, invincible, so why aren't you?

Two of the most amazing people in my life have centered their lives around what others think of them. I'm going to focus on one of those people, my mother. She has a voice disorder that she lets rule her life.

Now my mom's disorder isn't a major one. Actually, let's not call it a disorder, that implies that she isn't correct in some way - she's perfect the way she is.. Whenever she speaks, her voice is garbled a bit (sounds like she has a bad cold all the time). All throughout the day in the hospital that she works in, people let her know this fact about her over and over again. Nobody knows about the condition, so she can't necessarily get mad at people.

Over the period of her entire life though, she's heard it day-in and day-out. This small detail of her has become a big issue in her head -  it's a snowball effect. She's developed a depression over the years, which has branched out into other insecurities. All the time she's complaining about something that she "needs" to change about her, but in reality do things need to be this way?

Guys and gals who might be dealing with a little "problem" in life. Think about it, if it weren't for other people in your life, would it even BE a problem?

I doubt you would think about it the same. You'd classify it as a feature or a unique quality if nobody commented on it - you wouldn't classify it as a problem.

The way I go about things - if you are somewhere, let's say an amusement park, who cares about what that one guy from the roller coaster line may think about the way you laugh, scream, cry, look, or act?

You shouldn't, because I can guarantee you that after that man exits the ride he'll forget about you.

Why care about what others think? Honestly, what's the point in getting concerned over how others accept you? As long as you accept yourself, why bother with an other man's opinion unless it's a positive one?

If you are going through premature balding, why fear other people? If you want to go SLY, then by all means don't hold back and go SLY!!

If you have anything else that people view as a problem - why fear their opinions, too?

Don't let opinion rule your life, because life is too precious and short to waste moments worrying when you could be celebrating your own uniqueness and living a happy life!

There's so much more I want to say, but for the sake of readability I'm going to cut it short. If anybody needs a few good words of encouragement don't be afraid to message me and don't let my age turn you off. I've got my own problems, worries, struggles, and dreams in my life - as well as an abundance of love that I would like to share.

(And as always, the best support can be found in the fact that nobody is truly alone in anything. This seems to be a great forum filled with great people who [excluding some] share one common quality that has a thousand different views upon it. No matter how people in the world react to being bald, the people here have strong roots [excuse the pun ] and a wonderful sense of brotherhood that cannot be defeated by anything else. The SLY guys are invincible, so if you are thinking about giving sly a try, why don't you join us?)

And if anyone else has something along these lines to share, then by all means throw it in! Share the love, guys and gals.

[MagmaBabe]

awesome post Scotsman 

[Jer]

Hey bro, are you sure you're 18?  This sounds like something a father would say to a troubled son.  Great words though and definitely something many people in life need to hear, realize, and embrace; the ability to not care about what others think, all that matters is that you are happy content.

[FR8TRAIN]

BRAVO!!! Scotsman you definetly got your head on straight. Great post! 

[BlackJamesRackham]

The maturity of some of the younger Slys continues to amaze me. Rock on guys!

[warhawk]

scotsman:  that is one helluva post coming from an 18 year old.  those R definitely words of wisdom.  i like your attitude.  U R truly a SBG.  again... gr8 post & i hope U continue 2 become an active member of this fraternity.

WARHAWK

[SonOfKrypton]

Hahahahahhahahah.  I see a post like this from any user here and immediately assume they are either on, or have been on mASF.  Props to you dude.



Free Your Mind.

[tomgallagher]

10 feet tall and bulletproof..I remember it well.

[BALDANDRE]

Nice post bro!

[nomad]

Scotsman, welcome to the neighborhood Brother. 

wise beyond your years bro'

[KeeperOfTheBeard]

You have written what it takes most people a lifetime to believe.  Awesome, bro!

[Razor X]

I'm a little unclear as to whether the "why aren't you?" refers to "why aren't you invincible?" or "why aren't you 18?"  Either way, I'm not sure what the answer is.   

 

Just kidding -- excellent post, Scotsman.  You and Dan (IRDSM) have renewed my faith in the next generation (what are we up to now, Generation Z?) 

[GASlick]

Great post.  Sounds like a younger version of me.  (I'm 20 yrs older than you, Scotsman)  I will not, have not and do not ever plan on running my life the way someone else wants me to.

My mom always said that "you don't have to worry about where Stephen stands, he will let you know."

Good job Scotsman!  Stay true my friend, stay true.

[Scotsman]

I'm a little unclear as to whether the "why aren't you?" refers to "why aren't you invincible?" or "why aren't you 18?"  Either way, I'm not sure what the answer is.   

Yeah, I was worried a bit about the grammar in that sentence, knew it was a little unclear. But oh well

[Scott]

Great post Scotsman!  You're wise beyond your years for sure.