Be Yourself

François Duc de La Rochefoucauld said, “We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.”

When you can no longer find yourself under the masks you’ve forced yourself to wear, this is a problem. Often the root of unhappiness is not being yourself. How does this happen? A lot of the time it is because you start living for others and not yourself. I understand that we all have responsibilities and that we play many roles: spouse, parent, friend, employee, daughter/son, etc., however, you need to find out how these different roles define who you truly are.

I know, it’s hard. It is something you need to constantly be practicing and working towards. Who you are is a work in progress. It is never complete. You just need to keep it at the top of your mind and not get sidetracked. And remember, who you see yourself as will change throughout your life as you experience and learn new things. Try not to get stuck in an image of yourself in the past. You need to change and grow.

Here are some tips to being  true to yourself:

1. Say what you mean

Mum’s not always the word. When you fail to speak up for yourself, you are letting yourself down. You need to know that what you have to say matters.

2. Don’t let people bully you into being something you are not comfortable with

Sometimes we feel forced into being something we are not. This can be from friends, family or in the workplace. Try not to let this pressure to conform have you changing who you are.

3. No one can make you feel inferior

Only you can make yourself feel inferior, no one else can. Give yourself permission to believe in yourself and feel good about yourself.

4. Pick your company

Who you spend time with is a reflection of how you see yourself. Do these people represent you? Are they people that make you feel good about yourself or do you feel you have to put on an act for them?

5. Love yourself, even your flaws

Yes, we all want to be perfect. However, it is often our flaws that make us unique and wonderful. In order to be yourself, you need to accept your flaws and learn how they add to the specialness that is you.

Just keep in mind the words of Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”