Sometimes being yourself gets tinted in a world that’s expecting so much of you. Isn’t it? If you’re struggling with being you in the world of judgement and validation, then this post is for you. I’m going to share how I found my space to stand tall, and be myself in a world that constantly challenged me to present an edited version of me.
Do you know what I’ve struggled with the most in my life? Not being able to show all sides of me, that is; to not show all of who I am. The society and people around me wanted me to hide some parts of me, only to fit into their groups, as well as to belong in the community. In those circumstances, I felt like I was feeling ashamed of accepting who I am in real nature. I felt disconnected with my soul, with myself.
By hiding my true self, I felt more invisible. I was trying to find that courage within myself to embrace who I was, and to accept who I truly was. Things got lote easier when I showed up just being me, even when I was with a crowd that felt uncomfortable accepting me that way, and expected me to change to blend in. I did not, because I knew there was nothing wrong with me. Others perception of who I’m does not define me anymore.
I’ve set standards for myself, to be always real and honest- no matter who I’m with. I am no game for masking up my true self just to be loved and approved- anymore.
So what eaxctly ‘being you’ means to you? For me, it is not just about accepting myself, but also about giving all my efforts to be better than I’m today. Instead of constantly finding your flaws and judging yourself, strive to work towards accepting your flaws, without judging and thinking anything less about yourself. There will always be room for improvement.
Striving to be better is another great way of accepting your honest self and becoming who you want to be.
Whether you’re aiming for a successful career, or to build a stronger relationship, ‘being yourself’ is the key. There are some reminders that I constantly pay attention to on a daily basis. I hope you also find them helpful, to convince yourself that it is absolutely safe to be you in a world that’s constantly trying to change you to live someone else’s life.
1. Stop Comparing
Comparison totally steals your charm of being you. When we start comparing our life with others, we invite some uncomfortable feelings like; self-doubts and insecurity for ourselves. Comparison is the joy stealer. When we compare ourselves to how others are, we make ourselves feel inadequate and downright feel low on self-esteem.
To be yourself, let go the need to compare yourse;f with others. Let go of the stress and pressure that weigh you down, and/or forces you to stop being your true self.
Reminder: ” Don’t underestimate yourself by comparing yourself with others. It’s our differences that makes us unique and beautiful.” ~Robert Tew
2. Be Kinder To Yourself
Kindness is the best language to speak to yourself. Try to motivate yourself with kindness instead of criticism. By being kind we could help someone and ourselves too to find hope in the darkness.
When my mind chatters statements like, “I’m not good enough.” I’m not going to be successful, or famous, or rich as others, etc,.” I try to bring back the focus to myself and create a kinder support system internally to make myself feel worthy and important. Sometimes I lean on my family for the support system, but most of the times I create it for myself, by being kind to myself as well by accepting my whole self no matter what.
Reminder: “You may not always see the results of your kindness, but every bit of positive energy you contribute to the world makes it a better place for all of us.” ~ Lisa Currie
3. You Are Enough
You are enough just as you are, and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
We live in a world where we are constantly threatened by unhealthy thoughts that, “we are not living up to the expectations,” and we beat ourselves up for not being enough, and we need to change ourselves. That is why real love and acceptance must begin from inside.
If we don’t reinforce a strong belief system, and accept ourselves truly, we will continue to feel unworthy and disappointed with how we are. Our internal disappointments then reflect outside in our behavior, in how we treat others, and if we love and accept others!
Always remember, you are enough, however and whoever you are.
Reminder: “At the end of the day darling, you are enough. You always have been. It may have taken you awhile to see that and to finally reach this place, but you have always been enough.” – Lacey Ramburger
4. Stop The Fear of Feeling Empty and Lonely
Being yourself doesn’t send out a threat to you being left out in this world. So stop the fear of feeling empty and lonely.
I’ve never felt more lonely than by being in a company that constantly kept trying to avoid me, or make fun of me. I’ve found my core confidence and freedom by doing things all alone and being alone.
I’ve found peace within myself that never happened while I was with others busy pleasing them to like me, approve me, and befriend me.
Reminder: “So what if you’re alone right now. Embrace it. Go get coffee alone. Shop alone. Drive alone. Watch movies alone. Get to know yourself. Nothing bad can come from riding whatever wave to self-improvement you’re blessed with in the moment.” ~Unknown
5. It Is Absolutely Okay To be Shy or An Introvert. I Found My Power and Voice From Being a Quiet Person
There’s power in stillness, and nobody else can better understand this than an introvert person by nature. So that’s me. I’ve found my new powers of freedom, courage, and confidence, just by being me, by being invisible and in absence of chaos and highlights.
I’ve always worked hard silently to better myself every single day. Each day I took a step forward with courage to be just “me”, I felt more powerful, and extra special about myself. Please remember, nobody else can love you and appreciate you as much as you do it for yourself.
Celebrate your uniqueness. Accept your true self with higher manifestations, and see yourself evolving. and
Reminder: “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” ~Deepak Chopra