From Hiding My Roots to Embracing Them: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is a journey that many of us go through, and one such aspect that held me back for a time was my middle-class background and my non-binary identity. I used to hide these aspects of myself but have since learned to embrace them. This journey of self-discovery has not only been transformative but has also helped me appreciate the value I bring to the world.

My Non-Binary Identity

My non-binary identity is something that I used to hide like a secret. I was confused by my feelings and didn't have the means to connect with others like me. However, over time and through self-reflection and education, I learned to embrace my true self with immense pride.

“Being non-binary is something I am now very very proud of. Thank God for every moment that has brought me to this point of acceptance.”

Roots and Belonging

My roots stem from a middle-class family, and I spent my early years in a village where frugality was the norm. My parents were extremely frugal, and we lived on the bare minimum. This environment was a stark contrast to the luxurious lives of my college peers, who boasted about their fancy cars and designer clothes.

Shame and Aspiration

When I first joined college, I felt a sense of relative deprivation. My peers seemed to have everything, while I struggled to buy a simple samosa. Their air-conditioned hostels and endless supply of pocket money made me feel ashamed of my roots. This shame fueled my aspiration to establish myself and improve my life.

Embracing the Middle-Class Ethos

Despite the challenges, I soon realized that my middle-class background was not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it was a sweet spot that provided me with a strong ethos. We never went hungry, and we could enjoy simple luxuries. While we didn't have the fanciest cars, we could afford basic ones.

The frugality in our lifestyle also brought about minimalism, a trend that many wealthy individuals now embrace. Material possessions don't always bring happiness; in fact, people with the power to purchase anything often complain about the lack of meaning in their lives despite their extensive shopping.

My middle-class ethos taught me to be humble and grounded. It helped me appreciate the value of what I have and be content with simplicity. This mindset has greatly influenced my relationship with money and materialism.

Learning to Embrace and Be Proud of My Background

Through this journey, I have come to embrace my roots and the values instilled in me. The middle-class ethos gave me a strong foundation and taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance.

My journey of self-acceptance has not only helped me personally but has also allowed me to share my experiences and inspire others to embrace their unique backgrounds and identities.