The Version Of Me In My Head - By Diva Rathod

Written By: Diva Rathod

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Diva Rathod presents an introspective essay titled "The Version Of Me In My Head," a thoughtful entry in the Essay category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece delves into the complexities of self-perception and identity, exploring how we view ourselves versus how others perceive us. Rathod's essay is a profound reflection on personal growth and the importance of self-love, resonating with anyone who has ever grappled with understanding their true self amidst external judgments.

About the Work

The essay is a meditative exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity and self-perception. With a candid voice, Diva Rathod navigates the themes of judgment, introspection, and self-acceptance. The mood is reflective and sincere, as the writer articulates the inner dialogue between the versions of oneself shaped by others and the authentic self within. Rathod's narrative encourages readers to embrace all facets of their identity, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and the power of self-love.

The Version Of Me In My Head

Original Submission by Diva Rathod

Everyone's got a different version of me in their heads, but the version I have of myself is the original and my favourite. This version is true to herself, and she loves this version the best because that's who she actually is. People around like her parents and friends, and even someone who has barely spent a couple of seconds just looking at me has variety of thoughts and their own impression of me. We all judge based on different criteria, like body language, vibe, or a person's style. Usually, we judge from a negative place because we think we are cool for undermining others, and we forget to mind our own business. Throughout my life, I have been judged for so many things: be it my way of pronouncing certain words, be it for looking too white, be it for choosing Humanities as a stream, be it for being a single, shy teenager who may not be using her teenage periods right according to people her age, but that's okay; at a point you get over these kinds of things and learn to love yourself the way you are cause thats what is actually more important. You don't have to care about what others think of you or what impression they have of you; just be yourself the way you are. You don't need to be embarrassed. I know reading it and writing it may sound simple because sometimes it's difficult for me to imply as well. Sometimes I may act like I don't care from the outside and want to be all impervious and unfazed, but maybe my heart is too fragile, or maybe I am just temperamental, and that's okay. I am sure I am not the only one. Honestly, words hurt sharper than any physical instrument; a physical object hurts you temporarily, but words hurt sharper than any wound ever could. physical pain eventually heals, but words can stay in your head because you replay them. Why would she say that? Does she actually think about me like that? The similarity is that both hurt when your first reaction is recorded, but over time it heals slowly; the rate at which it heals depends on the person dealing with it. In your life, you come across so many different kinds of people; each teaches you some or the other lesson, and some leave such good memories that become the reason you cry later. Life is short enough that you shouldn't waste it worrying about other people's opinions, but long enough that you should spend it working towards things that matter to you and be proud of yourself for doing so . After all, no matter how many people leave you or hate you, you will always have your back and love yourself just the way you are. Being alone is not always a compulsion but sometimes even a choice, i dont why people think it's weird to be alone, cause i feel the more time you spend with yourself, the more you get to know yourself better in the ways you can develop and grow. I still have moments where someone else's opinion gets louder than my own.

But every day, I am getting a little better at turning down the noise. A little better at listening to myself and talking to myself more than my own friends and other people I meet every day. A little better at choosing what feels right instead of what looks right. Maybe growing up is not about finally discovering one perfect version of yourself. Maybe it is about meeting all the different versions along the way. The loud one.The quiet one.The confident one.The insecure one.The social one.The introvert.The overthinker.The dreamer.The person who cares too much.The person who pretends not to care at all. And slowly learning that none of them have to disappear. They are all me. But underneath them all is that one person who has been there from the beginning. The person in my head.The person who knows every thought I never said.Every feeling I never showed.Every version I have ever been. Maybe the world will never completely understand her. Maybe it does not have to. Because for once, I do not want to spend my life trying to convince everyone else which version of me is real. I just want to know her. Understand her. And, most importantly-love her just the way she is.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebrated platform for writers and poets to showcase their creative talents. It invites participants from diverse backgrounds to express their unique voices through poetry, essays, and creative writing. The competition is designed to nurture and highlight creativity, offering writers the opportunity to share their work with a broader audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diva Rathod for her insightful contribution, "The Version Of Me In My Head," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her essay is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and embracing one's true self. We appreciate her courage in sharing such a personal reflection and wish her continued success on her journey of self-discovery.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.