The idea of “being yourself” is one that I’ve always thought I understood. In fact, it’s one that I generally pass off as being quite cliché. But, recently, the concept of being true to myself has taken on a whole new meaning.
For the most part, I’ve always been pretty confident in who I am. Thankfully it has never been difficult for me to embrace the good things about myself - the things I’m proud of, the things I like, and the things I’ve accomplished.
But then there are…the other things. The things about me that aren’t necessarily bad, but ones that I’m not exactly proud of either.
My (sometimes obsessive) organization.
My extreme awareness of time.
I’m not competitive enough.
My love and desire for the simplest things in life, and wanting a (what many may view as) simple future.
…Among other things.
I’ve definitely faced this more since moving to New York because sometimes it feels like every move I make is being judged by those around me for being either “too much” or “not enough.” What I guess I’m admitting to is that there are a handful aspects of my personality and who I am that I’ve tried to downplay or hide. Even though I try to embrace who I am as much as possible, there are still things that I’ve worried others won’t accept about me…that they won’t understand.
That’s where I think just being yourself is the most important. It’s not only getting past the point of caring what others think, but it’s also getting to the point where you begin to love what you once viewed as an idiosyncrasy or shortcoming.
I’m not saying that there isn’t always room for improvement because there absolutely is. As a follower of Christ, living like He did is my ultimate goal, so I can’t just take my shortcomings and brush them all off because “that’s who I am.” BUT – I’ve been learning how to take a closer look at what I think these so-called shortcomings are, and whether or not they’re so bad after all…
Do you feel like you’re fully true to being yourself? How would you define that?
Being in my twenties, and also living in NYC, this really resonated with me! Thank you for sharing, I needed this today :).
bethany says
I’ve been giving this very concept a lot of thought lately. I’m turning 27 in two weeks, and I’ve been thinking about the person I have become, if I am truly honest with myself and with God. I’m thankful that we have all of our lives to change and grow. Thanks for the quote about undervaluing ourselves, and overvaluing what we are not. I struggle with this day to day! Loved this post, Gracie. xo
Thanks for the comment, Bethany! Happy early birthday
xx
I don’t believe I am always true to myself. I wish I was, but I know I am not there yet. If you ask anyone who is close to me (for example, the woman who knows me best: my mom), they would tell you I hide behind my insecurities. I am working on this everyday though! But you are so right, we all have to learn to accept and love who we are. God made us just like he wanted us! We are all works in progress and it is a good thing.
Amazing post (like always) Gracie!
love that emma watson quote! what a refreshing post, thank you!
Meghan Burrows says
I don’t know that is possible to always be true to yourself. But I know that I am getting closer to being a consistent believer in my flaws and strengths. I know this because whenever a negative thought about my character or judgement arises, I write it down and come up with a positive action that came out of it! Self reinforcement is what keeps me motivated, and knowing that God accepted us when we were so small and had not even fully developed most of our traits is more than enough encouragement for me to do the same:)Great post!
Great thoughts, Meghan. I think you’re right - our humanity (especially because we’re social beings) makes it nearly impossible to *always* be true to who we are…or even fully know who that person is!
Thanks so much for the comment
xx
Chantelle @ A Tale of Two Pretties says
I love the last question/quote! I think the best part about “flaws” is embracing them for making us who we are. By no means do I do that all the time, but I think it is a great concept to hold onto and try to live up to.
I think being yourself is ending the day happy with who you are, where you’ve been and waking up each morning ready to conquer and do your own, wonderful thing that moment. I also think “being myself” has evolved - and continues to change every day. Scary and so so exciting!
Thanks for a lovely post (as always). xo!
AMEN! Couldn’t agree more…and I do think that at the end of the day it really is that simple.
xx