Hitting Send

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

Admittedly, I do an interesting job of bouncing back and forth between mostly not caring much about how I’m being perceived by others, and sometimes caring very deeply. It’s such an interesting dance, or rather, a battle, which takes place mostly within our own minds, right? Worrying if the person sitting across from us is judging; questioning how what we say, do, and look like will be perceived by everyone from the stranger in line at the grocery store, to our family members. But, if they’re looking to fault us, they’ll find a way, right? Does it really matter? The strangers whose paths we cross are probably not going to remember us. I’ve often heard it said that others are not thinking about us nearly as much as we think. I’m certain that’s true. And, if we’re busy thinking in our own minds about how we’re being perceived, then we’re leaving little time for judgment of those around us. Sounds like quite a waste of life and energy, if you ask me. Wouldn’t it be better to make peace with ourselves, and let the rest go?

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Perhaps it’s because I’ve always been the ‘new kid’, that hippie chick, with the waist-length hair, who came from a strange foreign land, which enabled me to come to a certain peace with the fact that I’d never really fit in, and thus it was better to just be myself. Other than my first three consecutive years in Holland, I was never at the same school for longer than two years. That changed in high school, but, by then I was content not to fit into any one mold, and happily made friends with a variety of people, never a part of any one clique, a gift in and of itself. I enjoyed being my own person, who leaned more towards the artsy side, but could adapt to almost any of the groups, thus shedding a great deal of the angsty teen perceptions game. This has assisted me a great deal in later life, as well, as I can blend into a variety of atmospheres comfortably.

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.

It’s not that I’m advocating for ill behavior, or blase thoughtlessness when I say that we shouldn’t care so much about what others think. I’m saying that as long as we do our best, we shouldn’t let what occurs in other’s minds affect how we think or behave. I know this is an interesting yoga, as we must adhere to societal norms to a certain extent, whether we’re blending into a work environment, trying to make guests comfortable in our home, tip-toeing as a guest in another’s home, or just out and about in our communities. I’m not asking you to set aside your manners, obviously. I’m asking you to stay true to your authentic self, speak your own truth, and stand up for who you are, as no matter what happens in the world, or how the players around you change, you are still you. Don’t abandon your inner self to paint a picture for another; be the most perfect version of your special and Beautiful self.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Let’s be honest here. What you think of me is really none of my business, so why should I allow it to alter me, or my own perception of self? I know who I am and Love me, faults and all! *giggle* People come in and out of our lives, and I have chosen to surround myself with people who Love and accept me for my true self. They still expect the best of me, but do not require that I shape myself into a mold or fit pictures of who or what I should be. Not compromising ’self’ is a true Blessing, and I highly recommend it. Life is far too short to limit or hold back on who we are and the gifts we came to share. We’re all different, and meant to be that way. This is the one chance to be the unique individual you really are, so be bold, be Beautiful you! I dare ya!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia