Sometimes we fight so hard within ourselves for so many reasons: to try to please the people around us or to gain social acceptability. We conform to the trends of life simply because we care too much about what people think or say.
I heard this song just a few hours ago while getting a haircut. It resonated with me so deeply that I couldn’t help but move my body in response.
“Sir, please keep your head still,” the barber kept saying.
“Sorry,” I apologized countless times.
The song that struck a chord was "Unleash the Dragon" by Sisqó.
If there’s one thing I’ve observed in life, it’s this: Be yourself. Don’t hold back, don’t hide, and don’t be afraid to express your innate feelings. Let the world see you for who you are. That way, nothing will surprise them about your character or any perceived actions.
Society has a way of suppressing reality. It has created an environment where we’re pressured to abide by certain patterns and rules. And, unfortunately, many of us play along, subjecting ourselves to this deceitful game.
When I say “Unleash the dragon,” I don’t mean you should be rude or heartless without consideration for others. No. It’s about being yourself. Don’t settle for less just because everyone else is following the same pattern, and you’re afraid of being seen as different.
If you don’t like something—be it a value, an idea, or an expectation—feel free to express yourself. Let people know who you are, what you stand for, and what you don’t accept.
There was a time in my life when I cared deeply about what others thought of me. But as time passed, I realized I was like a puppet, living to satisfy others. Life is ephemeral. We’re here to add value to humanity, not to be suppressed by it.
This realization hit me like lightning, and I learned how to express my views. Growth comes with this understanding—at least, that’s what I believe. I learned how to say no and how to express my displeasure at things that didn’t make sense to me.
Many of my friends who knew me six years ago can testify to this change. A few months ago, I reconnected with a childhood friend of mine, Eruagua. He stayed with me for about a week. When it was time for him to leave, he said something I’ll never forget:
“Emeka, you’re not the same guy I used to know.”
I know people might interpret his words differently, but deep down, we both knew it was a positive change—an inevitable one. Once you stand out and choose to be different, the world will often label you as weird, wicked, or worse.
They’ll call you all sorts of names to make you feel guilty for something they should feel guilty about. It’s a form of reverse psychology that some of us understand yet, we still fall prey to it.
Each day you breathe, remember this: You’re no ordinary person. You’re a dragon. And dragons don’t fear.
Unleash that dragon now.
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