top of page

Wearing My Crown of Thorns: Overcoming Others Perceptions

Writer's picture: Manuel AragonManuel Aragon

Life often throws challenges my way, and sometimes those challenges come in the form of stigma or harsh judgments from others. I've often feel like I'm wearing a crown of thorns—an emblem of my struggles and the perceptions cast upon me by people around me. However, I’ve learned that it is possible to embrace these thorns and transform them into a source of strength. I was plastered over the front page of the news at age 14, to soon read articles written about me by people who barely knew my name. They never took the time to ask how I got to that moment and why I made that decision.


The Weight of Perception

Growing up, I always felt different. My interests, thoughts, and lifestyle choices set me apart from my peers, leading to feelings of alienation and rejection. This experience was not unique, studies show that many adolescents who feel like outcasts report higher levels of anxiety and depression. The opinions of others became like thorns, pricking me and reminding me of my perceived inadequacies. I didn't start change until I put those opinions on the backburner and focused on myself.


Yet, as I navigated through various stages of life, I began to understand that these perceptions often come from ignorance and not from reality. I learned that our true worth is defined not by the judgments of others but by our own understanding of who we are.


Turning Thorns Into Strength

During a particularly challenging time, I made the conscious choice to reclaim my identity. Instead of allowing societal expectations to weigh me down, I saw my uniqueness as a powerful asset. I read so many books and fed my mind with anything I could get my hands on. I had to reach deep into my soul to pivot and pick the next steps of my life.


I explored activities that allowed me to express myself authentically—like reading, writing poetry, and even writing raps. Engaging with this type of art lifted my spirits and brought me some mental clarity. Each new passion chipped away at my thorns, unveiling a vibrant individual beneath. Connecting with the man in the mirror was my biggest accomplishment to this day.


Close-up view of a single blooming rose with thorns

Sharing is Caring

Creating a network of people around me was another significant step in my change. It was new and definitely out of my historic crutches. I know that I have so much more to learn if I want to reach the peak of what my calling is. It's more effort, and being patient, but reaching out to those who understood my struggles was incredibly rewarding. Sharing thoughts rooted in empathy and understanding is enabling me to reflect on so many things I used to let bother me.


Sharing stories of struggle and resilience fosters deep, meaningful relationships. For instance, during a recent group meeting, I shared a bit about my childhood, many of the participants related and felt isolated at some point in their lives. By voicing these experiences, we broke down barriers and created a safe space. Many of us wear crowns of thorns in silence, and together, we can combat that stigma and promote acceptance.


Overcoming Stigma

In recent years, I've observed a valuable shift in societal perceptions regarding uniqueness and self-expression. The more we share our stories, the more we encourage others to embrace their authentic selves. It’s crucial to remember that out casting someone often arises from fear or misunderstanding.


I actively discuss the challenges of feeling like an outcast. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to confront their own perceptions. By challenging negative stereotypes about mental health on social media, I’ve seen a increase in positive dialogues among my followers. They may not say it helps out loud but I do notice the change in those around me since I started writing this kind of content. The initial goal was to grow my tax business but many gravitate towards my story and so I trust that is what God wants me to do and the business growth will come down the road.


Transformative Reflections

Ultimately, overcoming the perceptions cast upon me by others has been a profound journey. My crown of thorns symbolizes resilience and growth, reminding me that the struggles I’ve faced contribute to my purpose of fostering understanding in the world.


Each of us has the power to turn our struggles into strengths. By embracing our crowns of thorns, we can encourage acceptance and compassion in a world that desperately needs it. Remember, it’s not about fitting into a mold; it’s about breaking free from it and revealing the beauty of our unique selves.


I now wear these life struggles like a crown fit for King.

9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page