Let Go of Your Fear of Being Cringe

Just the mention of the word cringe can bring back horrible war flashbacks. 

The thought of being socially awkward can be nightmare fuel. 

Saying something corny, expressing deep feelings, making jokes that no one understands, no one hearing what you said, wearing a really ugly fit - ok you get the point. 

But what if we told you – stop caring about being cringe? 

It’s always easier said than done, right? To just totally ignore the stares, the uncomfortable gestures, not feeling the awkward tension in the air - to just totally be yourself. 

 

As humans we desire acceptance, we need it to survive. Social acceptance used to mean the difference between having food and resources or starving to death - so it’s pretty hard wired into us. 

But what if we told you the fear of being cringe is actually doing the opposite? 

Every social movement, moment of radical change, or new brilliant idea came at the expense of feeling cringe. If it wasn't for someone being cringe, we couldn't be where we are today. Brave people before us went against the status quo, they challenged normal ideas to bring new worlds And we live in the benefit of their courage. 

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So the concept of feeling cringe yet still doing it. 

Following the status quo is boring. 

Are you going to spend the rest of your life looking for the approval of people saying "67", “rizz” or "mog"? Or are you going to just live? 

Your emotions matter. Your feelings matter. And if you don't express them for the sake of not being judged, you just ball up and fizzle like a forgotten flame.

Yeah it's hard, people have phones and even glasses to record you now. And the internet lives forever.

But think about it, your energy also lives forever. 

Start thinking of everything you do as iconic, brave, world shifting. Your energy needs to be in the world because it's important. 

 

So here’s our call to you. 

Challenge yourself to do something “cringe” everyday. Like speaking to a stranger in public, wear something that the internet has dragged, dance full out in public or at a party when you feel like it. 

Don't rely on safety crutches like looking at your phone, or needing a friend's approval either. Do this solo. 

 

You have to train your mind to be free for your ultimate happiness. Tell yourself that being cringe is just a prison you’ve set in your mind. And society’s judgment is just your prison guard. Free you girly! 

You are ultimately the one with total control over your life. Normalize being yourself versus an image you tell yourself is acceptable. 

You are a human being with thoughts, feelings, emotions. You are not a robot. 

So rebrand cringe. Being cringe means having passion, it means fire, it means a unique flair to life, it means expressing your raw true human emotions. 

Flip the word cringe on it’s head - it’s great to be cringe!

At least I’m not boring, average, or mediocre. 

Learn more about releasing the fear of being cringe through TYL’S College Journal.