Just be You...
How often have you heard someone say, "Just be yourself"? People tell us that when we are nervous about going in front of an audience, starting a new job, making a new connection or going on a date. However, do we really know what that means or entails? Truth be told, I'd venture to say that many people are wearing a mask in many of their life settings; not truly being who they really are. There are many reasons why people don't necessarily want to be themselves; the main reason, fear of rejection and unacceptance. We all want to be accepted by others in various settings. So, we put on a mask to fit the situation and/or setting that we are in. Being you means, to be able to identify for yourself who you are and who you think you should be. It also means, being comfortable in your skin and loving and liking who you are. Ask yourself, "self, do I like you?". Many don't like who they are so they cover "self" up and pretend to be someone else.
Looking back, and not too far back, I'd have to say that I was not always myself in every situation. I was one to seek acceptance from others, so I would become a chameleon in different settings. When I was at work, I'd make myself fit in to be liked. I would mimic behaviors of others that were accepted and admired. In social settings I'd laugh, joke, speak like and act like others to appear that I was enjoying myself and that I was, "in the in" so to speak. Around family, I'd entertain whatever everyone else was entertaining even if I didn't like it or agree with it. Most of this came from not being secure about who I was, not necessarily liking myself and not knowing my value.
I am still a work in progress but I am "me". I love me and I like me. Now, I don't always like my behavior or how I handle things but overall I like who I am and I'm learning to love me more every day.
Knowing who you are and loving who you are, for some of us takes work and that is ok. I'm here to tell you that God made each and everyone of us unique. Each one of us has something to offer. We were not made with a cookie cutter. Sure we all have things to work on to improve who we are, but adjusting ourselves to be like others is not what self-improvement is.
Once and for all, let us stop adjusting ourselves to fit in everyone else's box. As a matter of fact, don't box yourself in at all. There is much more to you than the walls of a box. Expand yourself. Be the best self that you can be. There is no one like you and that makes you special. Embrace yourself; your talents, gifts, flaws, beauty, energy, shyness...the wonder of you. The world needs you. So stop being someone else, the world already has that person.
If you are artsy, be that person. If you are wild and free spirited, be that. If you are calm and quiet, do you. If you are assertive and a go getter, go out and get yours. If you are the peacemaker, make peace. If you are the comedian, make us laugh. If you are spiritual and religious, lead and guide us. Whoever you are, be it, do it and live it!
The Bible says, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We were made in His image. His image goes far beyond some box of someone else. His image is infinite and limitless. Live in the image that you were created. BE YOU!
(Scripture reference: Psalm 139:14, Genesis 1:27)
I don't not own the rights to the image.