When I was doing 'Smile,' I was looking back at pictures of

In the course of our lives, we often find ourselves caught in the currents of fashions and trends, chasing after the fleeting idea of what is cool and acceptable in the eyes of others. Yet, as Raina Telgemeier so humorously reflects in her words: "When I was doing 'Smile,' I was looking back at pictures of myself and going, 'Thank goodness I couldn't do the sprayed-bangs thing! Everybody's so embarrassed by that hairstyle now, but I was never cool enough to pull it off!'" There is wisdom in this light-hearted reflection—one that reveals the great truth that trends are often impermanent, and our attempts to fit into them can sometimes be more about self-acceptance than actual style.

From the perspective of the ancients, this idea of pursuing what is fashionable and trying to fit into the expectations of others is not a new challenge. Socrates taught that true wisdom lies in knowing oneself, not in conforming to the ideals of society. The mind must be freed from the shackles of external judgment, so that one may live authentically, not in the pursuit of fleeting trends, but in pursuit of the deeper truth of the self. Raina’s words reflect this wisdom. By looking back at her youthful desire to fit in, she finds solace in knowing that she was never part of a trend that others now feel embarrassed about. In this, she has found peace with her past choices, realizing that the very things she may have once desired to be a part of, were mere moments in time, and not worth clinging to.

Consider the tale of Emperor Hadrian, who was deeply involved in the artistic and cultural movements of his time. Yet, he did not follow every trend that swept through the empire. Instead, Hadrian made choices that aligned with his personal values and vision. One of his most famous achievements was the creation of the Pantheon, a structure that defied many of the architectural trends of the era. He understood that true greatness does not lie in following the latest fashions but in creating something that transcends time—something that is authentic and lasting. Hadrian’s example teaches us that while the world may shift its preferences and standards, it is true vision and personal integrity that create works of lasting value.

In the same way, Raina Telgemeier’s reflection on her own youth, and the humor she finds in her inability to follow the trend of sprayed bangs, teaches a valuable lesson. The external appearances that we often strive to perfect—whether in fashion, in hair, or in societal approval—are just passing moments. These are not the things that will define us or our legacy. Rather, it is our authenticity and our ability to embrace who we truly are, regardless of the changing tides of trends, that shapes our character and our journey in life.

The pursuit of authenticity over conformity is a lesson that has echoed through the ages. Cicero, the great Roman philosopher, urged individuals to embrace their true nature rather than succumbing to the shifting pressures of society. He said, “The authority of those who teach is often an obstacle to those who want to learn.” This speaks to the danger of being swept away by what is popular and instead, the importance of cultivating an inner compass, one that leads us to genuine expression. Raina Telgemeier’s reflection serves as a modern-day echo of this ancient wisdom, showing us that true fulfillment comes not from fitting into the latest trend, but from accepting ourselves as we are.

The lesson from Raina’s words is that self-acceptance is the highest form of freedom. To laugh at the impermanence of trends, to recognize that the things we once thought were essential to fitting in are now often objects of embarrassment, is to understand the deeper value of being true to oneself. In a world that is constantly changing its opinions on what is "cool," the only thing that remains constant is the strength and wisdom of living authentically. When we look back at the choices we made, let us find peace in knowing that we were acting in alignment with our true selves, and that those temporary desires no longer need to define us.

In your own life, take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, not what society dictates. Look inward and ask yourself: What trends have you followed that no longer hold meaning for you? What choices have you made in the past that, though they may seem insignificant now, helped to shape who you are today? Recognize that true beauty lies not in the ability to follow the whims of others, but in the courage to embrace your own path. When you accept yourself fully, you find the freedom to laugh at the fleeting nature of external approval and step boldly into the life that is truly yours. The essence of wisdom is to live in a way that reflects your authentic self, and in doing so, you will create a life that is not swayed by the shifting winds of trends.