“Trying to be someone you are not will always leave you feeling a void within yourself.” D Lovell

It is human nature to want love, to want approval  and to feel accepted. Where this becomes an issue however, is when these wants get in the way of you truly being and acting authentic. I used to care so much about what others thought that I spent years of my life growing up with little connection and feared people knowing who I really was. The truth was, I was even scared of being who I really was. I was not being my authentic self and had created so many stories of who I was and wanted to be. Slowly as I grew older I naturally became more in tune with myself and realized how important it really was for me to start being ME.

At the tender age of 19, for lack of a better term, I came out of the closet. When I finally accepted myself and let go of what others might think of me, my entire world shifted and began to progress more quickly than I had ever imagined. Rather than staying in the fear state of not being accepted, I accepted myself and in return I began to create strong connections and bonds that I had never experienced prior to my personal acceptance.

When we are trying to create an impression or act a certain way, it is nearly impossible to authentically connect. How can you expect to have powerful relationships when you don’t have a strong relationship with yourself? Trying to be someone you are not will always leave you feeling a void within yourself.

The fact of the matter is, people will judge and some will talk about you, your actions or your beliefs. Even more so, and what matters the most, is that you will allow the space for others to accept you when you are just being YOU! The average person in your life wants to see you do great things, wants to see you feel comfortable in your own skin, so believe in the goodness of others! Focusing on the negative and judgement from others is enough to send you over the edge and does nothing for your own growth and happiness.

If this article finds you in a space of insecurity or judgement set the intention for you to become accepting of yourself and others. Just by sending the energy out to the universe and by setting intention, you are creating change. Celebrate your strengths, accept your weaknesses and forgive yourself!