Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”(Dr. Seuss)
This popular quote from the children’s book Happy Birthday to You, encourages children to be themselves. Ironically, sometimes adults need a little reminding too. Countless times we are told, “Just be yourself.” But who is that exactly? What seems like a no brainer, at least on the surface, is actually quite difficult for most of us. In a world where you can become anything you want to be, it is time to become you!
Being yourself is not for the faint of heart, it takes courage. Courage to let go of many false beliefs we’ve been taught and reinforced overtime. Courage to look past the picture perfect images that greet us daily and not feel forced to become that person instead. Indeed, it takes real guts and lots of practice (yes, practice) to just be the most authentic you and not who you or anyone else think you should be.
Our perception of ourselves begin in our minds, so let’s start there. Psychologically speaking, our concept of ourselves comes from others (Vygotsky, 1978). Additionally, the Social Comparison Theory by psychologist, Leon Festinger, states that we find our identity based on how we stack up against others. As constantly, we evaluate ourselves in relation to others, be it attractiveness, wealth, intelligence or success. But if they are right, how then do we be ourselves if we learn who we are based on those around us?
Start by kicking others out of your head. Evict yourself if you must, as sometimes you are your own worst critic. “But what will people think if I….?” Stop. Stop focusing on what ‘people’ think. By the way, who are these ‘people’ and why is their acceptance so important? A figment of your imagination, that’s who. Evil little trolls you’ve invented in your head that steal your dreams and cripple your life. It’s time to take back control of how much of your life you give up (not live) because of what people may think or say.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #3– July-August 2017
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This popular quote from the children’s book Happy Birthday to You, encourages children to be themselves. Ironically, sometimes adults need a little reminding too. Countless times we are told, “Just be yourself.” But who is that exactly? What seems like a no brainer, at least on the surface, is actually quite difficult for most of us. In a world where you can become anything you want to be, it is time to become you!
Being yourself is not for the faint of heart, it takes courage. Courage to let go of many false beliefs we’ve been taught and reinforced overtime. Courage to look past the picture perfect images that greet us daily and not feel forced to become that person instead. Indeed, it takes real guts and lots of practice (yes, practice) to just be the most authentic you and not who you or anyone else think you should be.
Our perception of ourselves begin in our minds, so let’s start there. Psychologically speaking, our concept of ourselves comes from others (Vygotsky, 1978). Additionally, the Social Comparison Theory by psychologist, Leon Festinger, states that we find our identity based on how we stack up against others. As constantly, we evaluate ourselves in relation to others, be it attractiveness, wealth, intelligence or success. But if they are right, how then do we be ourselves if we learn who we are based on those around us?
Start by kicking others out of your head. Evict yourself if you must, as sometimes you are your own worst critic. “But what will people think if I….?” Stop. Stop focusing on what ‘people’ think. By the way, who are these ‘people’ and why is their acceptance so important? A figment of your imagination, that’s who. Evil little trolls you’ve invented in your head that steal your dreams and cripple your life. It’s time to take back control of how much of your life you give up (not live) because of what people may think or say.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #3– July-August 2017
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