- Greatness comes from realizing that you can set your own rules and defy the limitations others try to place on you. You don’t have to follow directions or color inside the lines. Be proud of that.
- There are times when you have to put yourself out there and grow in front of people. Don’t let the fear of embarrassment keep you stuck. Discomfort is a necessary part of expansion.
- When you are secure with who you are, you can hear both praise and criticism without taking off on an emotional roller coaster. Believe in yourself and trust your journey. You don’t need to change anyone’s mind about you.
By GG Renee
Sometimes I still wonder what people think of me. It crosses my mind less now than it used to, but my mind still goes there.
When I post selfies on my social media accounts with long, musing captions, do people think I’m weird?
When I share poetry or talk about anxiety and depression, do people roll their eyes?
When I show up, express myself honestly, exuding hopeful energy, do people think I’m weak? Do they think they can take advantage of me?
I don’t know. And ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I used to spend a lot of time defending myself and wanting to be understood. Now I know that this is a huge distraction. It's something I try to be conscious about every day, reminding myself that it doesn’t matter if people approve of what I do or how I express myself.
You can’t make everyone understand and you don’t need to. Your path is yours regardless, and it’s a beautiful thing to be shameless about what makes you unique.
There is a special kind of glow that comes from authentic self-expression. When you say what you need to say, build a lifestyle that inspires you, and hold your head up high, even in vulnerable situations.
There’s a shift that occurs. Fitting in doesn’t matter anymore. Who you are to yourself becomes more important than who you are to other people. Releasing your truth feels so good, but first you have to ignore the discomfort. First efforts are often messy and clumsy and met with funny looks. It’s natural to cringe a little and wonder what people are thinking. The important thing is to keep going. Teach yourself to be self-motivated and self-assured by doing the very things that scare you, mold you and stimulate you.
Your voice may shake and your hands may tremble, but vulnerability is beautiful. Sometimes you just have to shut up your doubts and ask yourself if you are trying to impress people or if you are trying to grow. With every risk, every chance you take, you become stronger. More in touch with your fire. More in love with your freedom. And trust me, it shows.
You may wonder occasionally what people are thinking, but don’t let those thoughts carry you away.
Remember these things:
