How to Let Go of Others Expectations
Plurawl was founded by Pabel Martinez, a New York City resident who discovered he was repressing parts of his identity in order to fit in with those around him. The company is his response to that discovery. In launching Plurawl and getting it on its feet, Martinez had to learn to let go of others' expectations.
That is not necessarily an easy thing to do. Even something as basic as shopping for clothes can be challenging. For example, you are probably here on our website because we have great sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts, and hats designed to appeal to the LatinX and Hispanic communities. As much as we would love you to buy something, we don't want you to do so because you think that's the expectation.
Do not buy a Plurawl T-shirt because you think that is what we expect you to do. Don't buy because you think your family members and friends have that expectation. If you buy something from us, make sure it is because you want to – irrespective of what anyone else thinks.
How to Let Go
As we already stated, it can be hard to let go of the expectations other people have for us. Assimilation and fitting in are so ingrained in us because we are taught those things from our earliest days. But the cycle can be broken. Living authentically and without shame is possible for everyone.
Here are some tips from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, tips to help you let go of others' expectations:
1. Put Things in Perspective
First off, try to put things in perspective. Understand we all project certain expectations on other people. None of those expectations are cast in concrete. Not meeting them is not the end of the world. If you fail to meet someone else's expectations and they are bothered by it, whose problem is it? It is certainly not yours.
2. Employ the Golden Rule
The Golden rule stipulates that we treat other people the way we want to be treated. So if you don't want to face the heavy burden of others' expectations, it's not smart to project your expectations on others. What is right for you is right for you. It may or may not be right for someone else. Proudly wearing a Plurawl T-shirt or sweatshirt doesn't change that.
3. Get to Know Yourself
Truly letting go of everyone else's expectations can leave you completely empty if you don't know who you are as a person. With that in mind, authenticity requires getting to know yourself. Take as much time as you need to figure it out.
How do you do it? By making the time and effort to temporarily stop everything and focus on your own thoughts and emotions. Manhattan Mental Health Counseling suggests keeping a daily journal. Going back and reading entries from that journal can be immensely helpful in identifying patterns and emotions that explain who you are as a person. That leads to the kind of authenticity that allows you to break free from others' expectations.
4. Express Your Thoughts and Emotions
Finally, your thoughts and emotions are as valid as anyone else's. Don't be afraid to express them. When you do so, you are making your identity known. And the more others are made aware of your identity, the less likely they are to try to project their expectations on you.
We invite you to take a look at our entire inventory of clothing, accessories, and artwork for the LatinX and Hispanic communities. Just know this: letting go of others' expectations runs far deeper than any purchase you could make from Plurawl.