So often I'm like, No, thanks, to all of that stuff, just give me the room to exist both in the shit and stars . . . We have to fight to be understood as being distinct and incongruent. But I think it is worth fighting for.
This quote eloquently captures the human longing for authentic self-expression amidst societal pressures to conform. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing the full spectrum of one's experiences—both the 'shit' and the 'stars'—as essential elements of identity. It challenges the tendency to reduce oneself to pleasing norms or superficial expectations and urges us to create space for complexity and contradiction within ourselves. The act of fighting to be understood as 'distinct and incongruent' highlights the bravery required to maintain individuality in a world eager to categorize and homogenize. Acknowledging and celebrating our contradictions can be uncomfortable, yet it is inherently courageous and necessary for genuine self-acceptance. The quote also resonates deeply because it recognizes that life encompasses highs and lows, and that to live truthfully and fully, one must accept the messy, imperfect parts alongside the beautiful and luminous. The idea of seeking room to exist in both 'shit and stars' invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, struggles, strengths, and brilliance without shame. Ultimately, the quote positions this fight for understanding and authenticity as worth every effort, affirming that living a true, unfiltered life is a worthwhile endeavor, even if it involves conflict or resistance along the way.