Be Authentic, Be You, Be Confident

October 24, 2018
Now in my 40s, I have a better sense of who I am and who I want to be. It’s really a beautiful thing. I used to struggle with this. Now that the main struggle is over, does that make me a grown up? Did I have a strange perception of expectations from others? I questioned every move I made. I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin because I thought I was supposed to be somebody else. I was content being in the shadow of my friends all through high school because I didn’t want attention, I just didn’t want to be noticed at all. Or did I?

I made the rookie mistake of trying to please everyone and thought walking on eggshells was a normal part of life. Enter growing up, college life, network marketing, trusting my gut, and personal development, and I am glad to say that I learned a few things. I learned that I bring something to the table that might actually be good for someone else, make others laugh (even if it is my very own cheese-ball kind of style), or add value by sharing some makeup tips or cooking tips. Here is a glimpse of what I learned and applied to let the real me be!!!!

1. It’s ok to be you. It might even be more than ok! You are the only you. You are an original. Everyone else is already taken. Why exhaust yourself over being someone else. Be honest with yourself and others. Don’t pressure yourself to be someone else. You are enough. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are interesting.
2. Progress is perfection. No one is perfect, we actually do learn from mistakes, the funnier, the better. We are all human, people relate to that human quality. People relate to people. Give it your heart, enjoy the journey, do the right thing, and you can’t go wrong. Every day is an opportunity to grow.
3. Find your passion. When your passion meets opportunity, it is a beautiful thing. Be true to yourself and follow your heart. Deliberately focus on your goals, take actions that lead you to achieving them, and every step of the way, know that you are working hard to make it happen. Nothing will get in your way if you are focused and clear on what you want. Follow your heart.
4. Believe in yourself. Know that YOU are in control of achieving your goals and that YOU are willing to work hard to accomplish the tasks to get there. YOU can do it! Start each day with kind words about yourself, or write them in a gratuity journal.
5. Try New Things. New adventures, new friends, new foods, new skills, new places, what ever it is, these new things help you understand yourself more, what you like and dislike, what you will do differently next time. These experiences will help you be the best and most honest version of yourself. Once you understand yourself a little more, you are happier, more confident, more fulfilled and ready for the next new thing.

Be honest with yourself and take the time to answer a few simple questions and it becomes clear. Try this……thanks to Tony Robbins at The Ultimate Wealth and Achievement Summit 2018:

1. What do you want to do?
2. What’s in your way?
3. What are you going to do about it?

I challenge you to take the time to think about what it means to you to be authentic and to be YOU. This might be a healthy combination of your story, your brand, your skill, and your passion. What makes you original? For me, I love writing, maybe with a good, strong cup of coffee or adult beverage, surrounded by mother nature, whether it’s at the beach or near my herb garden with birds and butterflies hanging around. I love hanging with my family, even if we are sometimes cray-cray. I love cooking (but if I win Mega Millions tonight, I will hire the best staff to clean up after me) and trying new recipes and sharing the love of food with my family and friends. I also, more importantly, love to share tips and tricks on how to feel confident and beautiful, from makeup to writing to coffee, and all in between. What about you?