How to Be Yourself

 I read this book every morning that has some of the most powerful quotes that truly influence my view on life every day for the better and today I would like to share one of those quotes that inspired me.

'Go in search of your gift. The more you understand yourself, the more you will understand the world.' 

I find that so beautiful because when we actually confront ourselves, accept every part of ourselves, we are living our truth. 

One of the main contributors to depression is that we tend to suppress parts of ourselves, we sometimes don't like certain parts of who we are and because we suppress it, instead of understanding it and making a positive change, our emotions and thoughts consume our minds and we end up blowing up. 

Let us be really honest with ourselves and understand that very few people are blessed with an amazing self image and we spend so much time wishing that we looked a certain way or we carried ourselves a certain way and we add these expectations on ourselves that only set us up for failure in the end. 

When you focus on becoming healthier, it is not just about the physical aspect or all about the body, it is a direct reflection of your mind, body and soul. For example you can solely focus on exercising and working out but you can still at the same time, have to live with really dark, negative and depressing thoughts in your mind and that in the end only shows in your body posture or in your eyes. 

If you are struggling with mental slavery, try and think what you can do to lighten that load off your shoulders so that you can experience life as a true gift. These are two powerful words that truly are helpful towards your growth and that is ACCEPTANCE and FORGIVENESS.

Think to yourself...

Do you truly accept yourself as you are or do you spend all of your time and energy thinking that you will only be happy when either you or everyone in your life changes? Or if you were created differently, looked prettier, had a better body, more successful or had more money. Why not simply accept yourself for who you are, because you are unique in your own way and there is something so beautiful about that. 

When I was younger, I always looked at people in magazines as how I wanted to look or I would look because society depicts a certain look as what is meant to be beautiful or perfect and you need to understand that you are perfect just as you are. My dad would always tell me that I should just be me, I should just be Kelly and that has honestly stuck with me throughout my life. 

Have you forgiven yourself for the mistakes you have made in the past?

No one is perfect, we all make mistakes but from those mistakes, what defines you is how you get back up again and strive to be better and do better. 

Learn to not blame others for what happens in your life, you are giving way too much power away and it is so valuable to understand that we are the creator of our own lives, we are the author of our own narrative and we have the power within us to create the life we truly want. 

This is something that can be extremely hard however it is so important to forgive others for what they have done to you. To have anyone harm or hurt you is very painful and we tend to hold onto those emotions until they consume us and in the end destroy us. If you hold onto those feelings of resentment especially over a long time period, you are basically giving that person that go ahead to continue to hurt you. However if you forgive them, then that hold of that past hurt can begin to heal and be replaced by more positive thoughts and you will begin stronger from within. 

Forgive but never forget, always learn from what that experience has taught you. 

Lastly treat your body with love and respect, be mindful when choosing food at a restaurant or when you are buying your weekly groceries. Be aware of the nutritious value your body needs from good food. Food is meant to fuel your body but destroy it and our bodies are so forgiving and they constantly heal us when we damage them. So remember to take the time to listen to what your body needs and to treat it like a temple. That reflects on the self respect you hold for yourself. 

Here are 5 reason why you should be yourself.

1. Live in alignment with your own values and beliefs. However we respectful towards others as well.

2. Establish your own identity because when you know who you are, whatever happens in your life, that solid foundation will keep you grounded and strong.

3. Be courageous because it is so easy to follow the crowd however why not pave the way for a new path. Stepping outside of your comfort zone only encourages growth and strength from within. 

4. Create boundaries for yourself so that no one can take advantage of you.

5. You will find focus and direction when being true to yourself because it is so much pressure to confirm to ever changing expectations from the society, why not choose to embrace your uniqueness. 

I truly hope this has inspired you to be who you are and to ACCEPT yourself. Life is a journey, focus on your own happiness. 

Remember that 'the struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don't give up.'