This is a topic that I am very excited to talk about. There are so many different definitions for the work basic. I was actually amazed when I googled the definition. Basic is a computer language. Basic is a Ph level above the number seven. Basic is a scientific term. It can mean that you are a basic person. According to Green’s Dictionary of slang it means someone who is unexciting, unexceptional or uneventful. I know we have all heard the term being a “basic bitch”. I read a lot on this and my conclusion is that it means to be unoriginal, follow the crowd, always doing and agreeing with others, taking a lot of selfies of yourself, drinking pumpkin spice lattes, taking photos of your food, dressing and acting like others. That is a mouthful and all very interesting to me.
In this blog I would like to change your thought process and idea of what being basic is. Maybe I am even creating my own definition or version of the word basic. I actually say this to myself often, “Don’t be basic.” According to the slang definitions of basic I do fit into that category. Taking selfies, drinking my pumpkin drinks, watching all The Real Housewives Franchises and really enjoying some of the finer designer labels. So in regards to all of those descriptions I am basic.
My definition of the word basic is this, ” not comfortable being you, you let others make decisions for you, you always follow the crowd, you feel uncomfortable doing something out of the ordinary, you don’t take risks because you are afraid of what others will think and you just want to fit in with everybody else.” Let’s deconstruct this definition a little. None of this definition means that you are inadequate in any way or dysfunctional in your daily life decisions. It really means that you just follow the trends and what others think to fit in. By fitting in nobody can criticize you for your decisions, likes or dislikes and the way that you represent yourself. Now I have not always been able to tell myself don’t be basic; however, if I review my history from a young age I naturally tried not to be basic according to my definition. I will be honest that there were times in my life that I can say I was basic. I believe most of the time it was because I was living in a new place and had new friends. I was living in a different financial situation and I was trying to figure out how to just fit in so that I could make friends. During these times there was always that internal voice saying, “why are you following these people, it’s ok not to agree with them and don’t buy something or join a club just because they all were apart of it.” This was the voice in my head at that time in my life. I am sure a lot of you can relate no matter what age you are. It happens at the school age, teenagers, adults and even the elderly. It’s a trap that a lot of us fall into. If you are somebody who is happy and comfortable with your choices then bravo to you.
The title states Why be Basic? I tell myself this all the time. I pride myself on going left when everybody else goes right. I feel confident when I can say no to something I really don’t want to do. I really get excited when I make decisions that are bold and out of the ordinary. Hence why I tell myself often why be basic. I recently had a conversation with someone who made a bold choice in their life. Of course folks that they are close to criticized them for their bold decision. My answer to them was why be basic. Own your choices and don’t let others make you second guess yourself. The answer I got was that is so hard to do, I wish that I could be like that. I answered them with the idea that you can break away from being basic(my definition of basic) by learning how to feel confident in your own choices. It might have to start with baby steps but when you start to embrace the choices that you make that are best for you, the empowerment that you will feel will be overwhelming. Overwhelming in the best way possible. It is so powerful to make those bold choices. The kind of choices that someone might even look at you oddly when you tell them. When you start to feel uncomfortable say to yourself this mantra, over and over again, “Why Be BASIC!” Start small like wear a shirt color that makes you stand out. Don’t always agree with the group tell them your honest opinion. Color your hair bleach blonde. I can guarantee that during this pandemic a lot of you have a had bold thoughts that you have not acting on. Ask yourself why? Start to make a plan and a strategy on how to make your bold thoughts reality. Start a podcast like I did. Trust me if I listened to all of the negative talk out there I would never have this blog or podcast. People need others to lift them up and give them confidence to step out of the comfort zone and not to have FOMO. My goal is to get you thinking about things you have always wanted to do and all of those out of the box decisions you have been afraid to take. Find the courage in yourself. Take small steps at first and before you know it you might start to take really big risks liking buying a teal color car, Go for it and Why be BASIC!
POSITIVE THOUGHTS, ALWAYS CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY
GO OUT AND EXPLORE ALL OF THE WIDE OPEN SPACES IN YOUR WORLD
Until next time
CIAO
Ilise
If you would like to hear a more about this topic “Why be BASIC” tune into my podcast this week. Season 2 Episode 52 will be available on 9/3/2021 I will talk further on ways for you to personally identify your steps to create a more colorful future.
