Hi everyone is Kaysonger. Just a reminder that you can listen to all of our

podcast ad-free on the Headspace app. Hey there. It's Kaysunga and welcome to Radio Headspace. Today is Tuesday and today I would like to delve into a topic that's close to my heart, expressing your unique

self amidst the pressure of peer influence and the ubiquitous world of social media.

Ever since I was a kid, I was the one that looked different. And looking back, it usually had

something to do with my hair. These days, I don't have that problem being bald and all.

But I remember in eighth grade, I asked my mother for cornrow braids,

because I liked the way the character named Leroy looked on this popular show called Fame.

Everyone laughed and pointed at me when I first arrived at school.

It was hell of heart at first, but by the second week the laughing subsided and I

actually started getting compliments. And then came high school where I decided to

get dreadlocks, but I didn't go to the barber or the hair stylers like the kids do nowadays.

I started them kind of roster style

and just twisted my hair a bit and let it lock on its own.

I definitely got talked about at school when I did that.

And it took a little longer this time

before people got used to it.

But they eventually did. I have

more examples in my life but my point is that we are all unique in our own way and

even though it may be difficult at times, it's a beautiful

thing where we allow ourselves to express it. In today's world, conformity often reigns supreme, and it can be extremely challenging to

embrace and express our true cells.

Peer pressure, societal norms, and the ever-present influence of social media can make it feel like we're constantly under scrutiny,

...