“Present yourself always
As who you would be,
And that is the person
The world will see.”
You know me as GG. Mom, blogger, writer, hair enthusiast. Lover of pretty things and positive words. Always ready to point out the lesson and the silver lining.
If you know me in real life, then you know that I’m a serial smiler and a peacemaker. You might even know about the weird things I do with my hands when I talk or how I behave when I’ve had too much to drink. My quirks. My skeletons. All of the things that make me self-conscious at times, but also make me who I am.
I know that I’m a good person, but I don’t feel that I always live up to my own expectations. I’m sure you know how that is. I also know that I’m talented and smart, but sometimes when I’m trying to create or produce, this truth escapes me. I’m intimidated by my own growth. Tracee Ellis Ross captured it perfectly when she said, “I’m learning everyday to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.”
Do you ever feel like a walking contradiction? Simultaneously pleased with yourself and yet conscious-stricken for no specific or valid reason? Don’t allow this duality to discourage you.
The key to your happiness and success is directly tied to your ability to approve of yourself. I know it can be difficult to stay detached from the opinions of others, but it’s necessary. And really, it’s the only way to be free.
Don’t think that you have to play small or sell yourself short in order to be gracious. Let go of your judgements and worries about how you’re perceived. The most enlightening thing in the world is to learn to be kind to yourself and accept all that you are.
“At this very moment, you may be saying to yourself that you have any number of admirable qualities. You are a loyal friend, a caring person, someone who is smart, dependable, fun to be around. That’s wonderful, and I’m happy for you, but let me ask you this: are you being any of those things to yourself?”
great wonderful post
Powerful!!! We need to all keep striving!
Thank you!
This past week has been the most challenging one in a long time. This article has helped remind me that I love who I am. I love hard for my family and friends and have a big heart. Sometimes you need a reminder to lift your spirits.
Powerful message!
I don't really have a defining reason that I am a self-loving woman. I just am. I love who am I and I love the process of seeing myself become more fully the person I want to be.
Nice Bee, great example of how to love yourself!:)
Whoooo! This came right on time for me. Last year, I wrote on my vision board "Be your own biggest defender, not just your biggest critic" – I'm harder on myself than anyone else could ever be, but I'm learning to change that. The Tracey Ellis Ross quote is one I'm going to write down for myself as well.
I've learned to be self-loving and self-approving by allowing myself to say "no" and take time for me. I'm going to get back into improving my health & wellness b/c I deserve it. I'm following my passions and that gives me such fulfilling joy. I'm finding ways to leave my mark on the world, and that makes me feel affirmed in my existence.
Thanks again for this post!
Wow! GG you have Outdone yourself with this article! *Standing Ovation*
It's funny because I was just telling my sister the other day. That I'm just fine with who I am. She has this very assertive type of personality while mine is more Diplomatic. She feels like with my approach you may not always get what you want when you want it. And that being more aggressive is the way to go!
I had to let her know that being Stronger in personality doesen't equate to Better or less than! And that I actually like who I am, every nice part of me. This is a trait that I picked up from my late mother. And I wouldn't change it for anyone! Do you boo, because I'm good with me!:)
Amazing article and right on time. I realized last night while talking to my wife that I am finally getting everything I've been asking for. It seemed a bit overwhelming at first but I know that I can handle all the blessings that have come into my life. I have chosen an untraditional path and sometimes it's tricky because I am making my own way but I believe in myself and moreso in fulfilling my dreams and potential. I love to woman that I am but am super excited to meet the woman I am to become.
I think this is such a great article. For me to love myself I had to accept that fact that I am and always will be different. How awful would this world be if everyone was the same!!!! I had to fall in love with my uniqueness. Oftentimes people who don't understand my differences criticize and attack in an effort to get me to be like them because they too are uncomfortable with not being like everyone else. I have learned to take their criticism as an indication that I'm doing the right thing. And even when I fail I use that experience as a stepping stone to the destination I'm shooting for. I follow God's voice and have learned to listen to others without letting them decide my life for me. I really do love myself and the women I am becoming 🙂
This article is right on time for me. Thank you.
Wow this really is confirmation for me today. I released some music recently and recieve some great and not so great responses. I somehow let the negative comments eat at me, which in turn I never do. Somehow, I was really considering throwing in the towel until my husband reminded me of all my talent and abilities that I hold. Thank God for his strength that I was able to pray, soul search, and find my way back. I say all that to say, that sometimes you have to believe in yourself through the good and bad and step out on faith. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy when you have so many negative people in the world looking to tear you down, but God can make all things possible. Great article