The courage to be yourself may show you that you are capable of more than you thought.

I agree with Lobe’s statement that, “When we shrink from the world, our souls shrink, too.” I have experienced, many times, the natural high that comes from speaking your mind, or doing what you know is right even when it may be embarrassing or when it may feel like you are the only one who is doing so. I think that, when it comes down to it, we all know what the right thing to do is. In my opinion, doing the right thing is simply being yourself and trusting your impulses. I think that, many times, people don’t do so just because they want to blend in with everybody else. In my experience, this way of living just perpetuates misery; or, as Lobe may put it, ‘shrinks your soul’.


The first time I recall really experiencing this natural high that I have mentioned was my junior year of high school. My first two years of high school I was a wily teenager, giving my parents a run for their money. This landed my sorry butt all the way in Virginia, at an extremely strict boarding school! Academics were extremely challenging there, and all of the staff members were tremendously strict. The system was set up so that, if you followed all of the rules, you would inevitably succeed. Because there were such extreme penalties for breaking the rules, I was whipped into shape rather quickly! My first semester at boarding school I absolutely worked my butt off in school, dorm life, committee work—everything.

You may be wondering, ‘what does Perri’s experience at this crazy boarding school have to do with anything’? Well, this was the first time I actually remember having to ‘do the right thing’ in every situation, and having to be an active member who was a continuous positive influence within the community in which I was living. Upon reflecting of my first semester at boarding school, I realized that I had learned so much about myself just from giving my all to every aspect of my life. Although it was extremely hard, I realized that I was much happier of a person than I had ever remembered being. I was more aware of my own ideals and values, whereas before I didn’t even make an effort to differentiate myself as an individual. Actually, I’m not even sure that I was aware that I actually had beliefs of my own. At home, acceptance was my single goal in life—and I was miserable!

Like I said, this feeling—or ‘natural high’—that came from really putting myself out there became addicting to me. Every semester I set goals for myself to achieve more than I did the last, and every semester I gained a greater appreciation and pride for the individual that I truly am. I think that before, in silencing myself, my soul was shrinking; but when I started to fully live my life, I experienced—as Lobe might put it—my soul slowly starting to grow. I also noticed that when I don’t cheat myself by holding back who I truly am from the world, I gained a greater confidence that I have the power to really leave my mark on this planet. I truly believe that anyone who actually puts themselves out there can really make an important difference in this world, and that they will—in return—gain a greater since of who they are. So, in conclusion, I personally testify to the truth of Lobe’s statement that, “When we shrink from the world, our souls shrink too”.