I look different in native wear, right? Just like we have different styles of dressing and look different on each of them, life has many styles and no one theory can define it all.
Think about how people dress. Some love bright, colourful clothes that stand out. Others prefer simple, comfortable outfits. Some follow the latest trends, while others stick to what feels right for them. Some go more for native attire, others prefer English or casual wear. No one style is better or more real than another, it’s just how people choose to show who they are.
Now, imagine if you thought your way of dressing was the only way to dress. You might judge others or feel like you’re missing something if you don’t fit that “one right style.” But in reality, clothes are just clothes, they may give a glimpse of who we are or where we come from but they don’t define who we truly are.
Theories and assumptions about life work the same way. We come up with ideas about how life should be, what success looks like, or what makes someone happy. These are different styles of thinking, ways we try to make sense of the world. But just like with clothes, none of these ideas captures the whole picture of life.
Sometimes, we get stuck believing our assumptions are facts. We might think, This is how life works, or People should act this way. But life is way more complex and unpredictable. What works for one person might not work for another. Whether in marriage, in parenting, in career, in relationship, in religion, and so on. Our beliefs are often based on limited experiences, like wearing an outfit because it’s what we know, not because it fits perfectly.
The truth is, life can’t be neatly packaged into one theory or assumption. It’s messy, surprising, and personal. When we accept that our ideas are just one way of looking at things (not the only way), it opens us up to understanding others better and to discovering new possibilities for ourselves.
So next time you catch yourself thinking there’s only one right way to live or to be, remember: just like fashion, life has endless styles and expressions. And that’s what makes it beautiful and real.
To both the young and old, here’s our take-home:
Be open to new perspectives. When you catch yourself thinking, it has to be this way, pause and ask, Could there be another way to see this? Try to listen without judging. And don’t be afraid to change your mind, growth happens when we let go of rigid ideas.
Just like fashion, life has endless styles and expressions. Embrace the freedom to find what fits you best, even if it’s different from what others expect. That’s where true authenticity and happiness live.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu.
