Is the life you're living reflective of who you really are? Or are you simply playing the role of the person you think you should be? Is there something you've always desired to do or have, but haven't attempted out of concern for what others would say? Have you dedicated your time and energy to something for which you have no passion? When you look in the mirror, do you recognize the person staring back at you?
The person that you are today is based on your past experiences, your current circumstance, and your future goals. As a child, you probably had dreams of what you would be when you grew up. Perhaps you wanted to be a firefighter, an astronaut, or a teacher. Maybe you had ambitions of being a famous musician or actor. These aspirations were born of your fascination and fueled by your illusions. But along the way, your perceptions began to be challenged by others.
We are not solitary beings. It's human nature for us to desire a connection with those around us. Often, the desire to belong and be accepted is so strong that it forces us to change who we are in order to receive validation. When we seek approval from external sources rather than from within, we discredit our own perceptions and beliefs. Suddenly, our goals are not our goals any more. They become diluted notions that comply with the collective feedback of those around us.
We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others
that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.
~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld
The person that you are today is based on your past experiences, your current circumstance, and your future goals. As a child, you probably had dreams of what you would be when you grew up. Perhaps you wanted to be a firefighter, an astronaut, or a teacher. Maybe you had ambitions of being a famous musician or actor. These aspirations were born of your fascination and fueled by your illusions. But along the way, your perceptions began to be challenged by others.
"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions,
their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation."
- Oscar Wilde
He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull
Always be a first-rate version of yourself,
instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
~Judy Garland
Accept no ones definition of your life; define yourself. ~Harvey Fierstein
The next time you start to doubt yourself and you look to others for validation, consider how unreasonable it is to give more merit to another person's views than your own. It's inconceivable that others would hold the key to your happiness or know your strengths and purpose more than you would.
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~e.e. cummings
There is no feeling more satisfying than being comfortable in your own skin. There will always be critics and since it's impossible to please everyone, why not please yourself . . .
