It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
~ e. e. cummings
Be yourself. One of the most common mantras of the self improvement movement.
Common, but not particularly straightforward. I mean, where’s the manual on how to be yourself?
Here’s the thing…it’s not always easy to be the person you were meant to be. Especially if becoming the real you means going against commonly held beliefs. Or doing things that make some people uncomfortable. Like selling all of your belongings to travel the world. Or quitting your high-paying secure job to do what you love. Or coming out of the closet. Or anything else that isn’t the way that someone else would like you to live your life.
Let’s be real here, folks…if you make big, important changes in your life, people are going to judge you. A lot.
But guess what? Those same people are judging you if you don’t make important changes that allow you to grow into the real you. So why pay attention to the naysayers?
Do what you need to do to lead a fulfilling life. Do your best to be kind to others while you’re expanding your world. But most of all, do what your heart tells you is most important to you. Not to them. They’ll never be satisfied with your choices. But you can be hugely fulfilled if you dare to be who you are truly meant to be.
Be courageous and take a risk. Dare to be different. Live your best life.
You won’t be sorry.