Don’t Let Anyone Tell You What The Color Of Your Sky Should Be

Don’t let anyone tell you what color your sky should be. This powerful message forms the crux of "The Sky is Pink," a heartfelt film based on a true story. But we are not here to talk about the movie.

Yesterday, during my lunch break, I found myself discussing dreams with a colleague. He eagerly detailed his vision of a perfect home, describing its size, the number of rooms, and every intricate detail. I listened attentively, not interrupting once. He even showed me the design he had in mind.

However, when it was my turn to share, things took a different turn. As soon as I began describing my dream home, he interrupted, questioning my choices: "Why do you need so much space? It's too big for just one person," he said, assuming I’d be alone forever. I reminded him that I had listened to his dream without interruptions and asked for the same courtesy, to which he reluctantly agreed.

And the interruptions continued. When I mentioned wanting guest houses outside the main home to enjoy my mornings in peace, he criticized me again. "What's wrong with having guests inside your house? You’ll have your own room," he said. It was unbelievable. I explained that this was simply my preference. He retorted, "You'll end up killing yourself in that big house. " To which I replied, "I will outlive you and dance on your grave."

This conversation stirred up painful childhood memories. My mother and siblings, social butterflies, loved entertaining guests. I, however, cherished solitude and quiet mornings and afternoons without the intrusion of extended family or friends. My need for personal space baffled my mother, leading to countless arguments. She would often look skyward, exasperated, wondering why I couldn’t be more like my outgoing siblings. Those confrontations drained me, making me feel suffocated and misunderstood.

Revisiting those emotions with my colleague reminded me of the frustration of being told who to be and how to live my life. Nothing infuriates me more than people dictating who I should be, how I should behave, and how grand my dreams can be. No one has the right to limit your vision or diminish your aspirations. Never let anyone shame you for being who you are or wanting what you desire. Those are personal choices, beyond the judgment of others.

Dream boldly, live authentically, and remember that the sky is yours to color as you wish.

With all your heart,

Salima