You Are The Best You!

Our world today makes it so difficult for us to feel comfortable and be accepting of ourselves. The media attacks us daily with stories, commercials and images for which we are led to believe we should attain. We should look this way or that, wear this or that, own this car or that, and the list goes on.

Where does all of this lead us to?

We are left comparing ourselves to others. When we particpate in this futile activity, well, we’ll never measure up to what others expect. This took me a very long time to understand. I think when we can learn and understand the concept that we will never measure up to what others want, it’s actually a great relief.

“What are you talking about?” you may be asking.

Life doesn’t have to be a battle or a competition. There aren’t any awards given to those who please others. We aren’t born doubting or questioning ourselves. This is something we are taught. It is something that we learn in our upbringing, from our social envrionment and even our education.

Why should this change and how can you do it?

 

You are probably familiar with the Peanuts character named, “Pig-Pen.” It is well documented that “Pig-Pen” was bullied and ridiculed for always being so dirty. However, rather than striving to be like others, he learned to accept himself. In one come strip, another character, Violet, attempts to shame “Pig-Pen” by making him look in a mirror. She asks him, “Aren’t you ashamed?” to which “Pig-Pen” replies, “On the contrary. I didn’t think I looked this good.” (Peanuts Wiki)

Yes, I do believe it’s important to practice good hygiene. You may not want to be as dirty as “Pig-Pen.” However, every comic strip I remember showing this wonderful comic character shows him with a smile on his face enjoying himself. Lesson learned: yes, take a shower; but, be yourself and don’t change because someone bullies or ridicules you!

 

Is it really possible to “fit in” somewhere? My answer is NO! The fact is even identical twins are different. I have twin nephews and they are alike in many ways, but are also very unique in different ways. Does either one of them want to be exactly like the other? No!

Don’t work so hard trying to be something you aren’t. As suggested, “stand out.” People will love and respect you even more for being the best YOU that you can be.

 

Just as unique as you are, so is your life. Not one single person in the entire world is exactly like you. Not one single person has lived the life you have lived. This is a great blessing. You can move forward blazing your own path knowing that no one can keep up with you. How can they as they are a different individual and on a path of their own choosing.

Being yourself allows you to be unique, a one of a kind diamond! Go forth and live your life that no one else can!

 

 

There are many who use wealth as a measure of success. Well, all I can say is Pooey! The key to success is measured by your own happiness. Your happiness is measured in the ability to believe in yourself. As long as you compare yourself to others, you will never be happy. Be confident, be proud and be the person you want to be.

 

No conversation about believing in yourself is complete without listening to the advice given by good ol’ Dr. Seuss. My life adventures have been shared a lot in most of his books. I don’t know if he was watching my bumps in life or not. But, I’m fairly certain he was since it seems all of his books are written about me.

The point is there are so many good people in the world who love you for being you. If you don’t have many of these good people in your life currently, you will. The more you are comfortable with being yourself and accepting yourself, the more awesome and loving friends will come into your life.

I want to leave you with a quote from my favorite Dr. Seuss book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

Just be yourself! You are the best you and NO ONE can do it any better!

©Julie Corbett