I read somewhere that when you’re in your twenties, you spend a lot of time worrying what other people think of you. When you reach your forties, you don’t care anymore what they think of you. But when you reach your sixties, you realize they weren’t ever thinking about you at all.
We go through so much of our life being who other people expect us to be. We place so much pressure on ourselves to live up to the norm, not stand out, or at least stand out in a way that is acceptable and, frankly, by the time we realize it really doesn’t matter – if we get to that age – it’s exhausting! Being able to be your authentic self is important. Embracing the truly remarkable you is the first step in letting go of the societal pressures of “fitting in” and “achieving normalcy.” It’s hard to even know what those terms are supposed to mean sometimes. Has anyone ever been able to adequately define the word normal?
When you can look at yourself and accept yourself for who you are, life really begins. That’s when you can begin to express yourself in your own truth, and others will hear you! In whatever way you think you are different, please know those differences are what make you unique and should be valued. It’s also true that there are others out there who will embrace your differences like their own – those people will become your tribe. They are out there so keep looking! Never give up! Here’s the thing, you’d like your tribe to be the people closest to you now but that might not always be the case. Sometimes, the people closest to you – old friends, even family – just don’t understand your authenticity. They may even hate it or judge you for it. And as hard as that is, as hurtful and wrong as that is, you must go on and be who you are. Because you deserve to know that there will be other people out there who will love you for who you are. There will be hard times, but you will find the tribe you are meant to find.
So, here’s to all of those living their truth! Stand up! Be proud! Embrace life and show the world what being yourself and loving yourself looks like!