Being You, Authentically

As I've now crossed over the 50th hill, I wonder how it took me so long to learn the lesson of being me, authentically.   Well, because...I'm me.  (insert eye-roll)  For so many years, trying to keep up with the expectations of others made me a bit bitter from “failing” to meet the expectations. I grew tired from constantly trying to keep up.  I stayed broke spending money I didn't have and  trying to meet the “expectations”…physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc., etc.

At this point, I’m too old to try to fit into the latest  beauty fads that aren't meant for me.  I’ve already spent way too much time and effort over the years trying to fit into unrealistic beauty molds.  As someone who was diagnosed with Alopecia at a young age, the “beauty standard” was unobtainable as long as I was without eyebrows, eyelashes, and a head full of hair…or so I thought. Now still living with Alopecia, I’ve come across some great products to help me feel more beautiful on the outside. Living without eyebrows & eyelashes is probably my biggest challenge and I can’t go out the house without looking like I got some. So I use this great tattoo pen (https://amzn.to/3WOSQPN) to make sure my eyebrows stay put throughout the day because these hot flashes…my Godt!! And then it’s always fun to hug someone taller than you & you leave 1/2 your eyebrow on their cheek. 🫤😳 I don’t have that problem anymore with this pen. The pen has been a life & face saver!!

Anyway, I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy, not real fussy about makeup & stuff but I like to dress up & and look good. So whether I’m in shorts or a dress still gotta have a face with eyebrows & eyeliner.

 It took many years for me to realize that true beauty comes from within & it exudes outwardly. I realized that all I need to be is the best person I can possibly be.  I realized that inner beauty was being good to my family & friends, then those around me & finally being good to the larger community.  I learned that there is no right or wrong way of being you, periodt. Being you is what makes the world an interesting place.  YOU bring a different piece to the puzzle that completes the world community.  Your thoughts and perspective are important to the world because we can’t all be the same.  

Authenticity literally means being real and genuine.  By just striving to be the best person you can be, you are enough.  It sounds cliché, I know, but it is literally less stressful to be real, regardless of whether you think others will like you or not.  And be the best you can be at whatever you put your mind or hand to, and don't pay attention to the naysayers who aren't doing anything for you. Do you!! 

How and why was I still comparing myself to others and where they are in life?   I know...I was doing it wrong!! Even worse is in this info age where everyone is busy posting about their seemingly wonderful lives on every social media platform possible, it seems as though their life is more glamorous and interesting. The food pics crack me up though…what are “we” eating today? But I digress, it’s just too much info about other people. And social media allows us to only see glimpses of others lives, vacations, high points, and loves but rarely shows the lows and regularity of daily lives. Realizing that people are only allowing us to see snippets of moments in their lives, in their best moments and realizing that their life may not be all that we think it is. It is just that, their life & we go on living our own best life. That’s the ultimate goal.

I’m still learning not to compare myself since I took some detours on my life journey, I’m realizing that I’m not going to be where others are. I am only responsible for what I’m doing and how I’m choosing to love, live life, and pursue happiness & success. Here’s some things I’ve learned to protect my piece of mind…

*Taking social media breaks. Stop looking at what others are doing.  Worry ‘bout yourself!! (Check out the t-shirt design in the products if you want to wear your reminder…yes, shameless plug). 😉

*Introspect- Look at what your doing, evaluate your current situation and decide whether you add more, or subtract some to get you to your goals. And then goals!! Make some and push towards them.

*Take joy in your current situation- looking at how far you’ve come and being grateful for the journey. You are who you are because of the journey. And I like to think the harder you’ve had to work to get to this current situation, the more brilliant the outcome….like a diamond forming.