BE AUTHENTICALLY, UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU
I think we all have some sort of self-doubt in us. Some small voice that keeps us from being the best we can be. We listen to them only to end up procrastinating, making excuses, selling ourselves short, deflecting, and so forth. Some call it perfectionism. Some call it insecurity. I know because I’ve been that person most of my life.
But I’m here to tell you, stop. Stop listening to the voices in your head that tell you you’re not good enough, smart enough, experienced enough, educated enough, or whatever. Stop putting yourself down. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop defining yourself by someone else’s expectations of you. Give yourself grace and room to evolve and discover who you are. Be patient with yourself as you grow and learn. Be proud of yourself for taking care of yourself and working on yourself without sacrificing who you are or your peace.
I’ve come to realize we can be the juiciest peach in Georgia, but not everyone likes peaches.
You may not be for everyone, but you know what you bring to the table. Stop caring if people like you or not..stop wondering if you’re good enough or not. You are! Someone out there aspires to be like you and have what you have.
So live life on your own terms because not everyone may like you, but not everyone matters. Quit trying to please everyone. And to all the perfectionists, the “not quite rights,” know that whatever you do, you’re going to disappoint someone. Just don’t disappoint yourself.
Choose to be powerful over pitiful. Remember, If you focus on the obstacles and shortcomings, all you see are obstacles and shortcomings. If you focus on the path, the positive, and the gifts you have, all you see is the path, the positive, and the gifts. If you believe the fears, doubts, and the naysayers, you deprive the world of what is truly amazing and unique about you.
Intentionally act like the person you want to be. When you do, your brain takes notice of this action and starts to change the way it relates to you. See, when your brain sees you compliment yourself in the mirror or feel good about yourself, it thinks, “Oh, she loves herself. Let’s not allow her to get beat up today.”
You wouldn’t talk to your friend the way you talk to yourself, so become your best friend. Everything in life comes easier if you’re not at war with yourself. You will find that you are more and can do more than you’re giving yourself credit for.
True confidence comes from within. No one can hand it to you, but no one can take it from you, either. So, girl, Next time you find yourself doubting, fearing, comparing, remind yourself that there is no one like you who can do what you do like you do it. So be authentically, unapologetically you.
© c. michelle bryant griffin