I’m kinda in love with this quote from Emma Stone, who says:
I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.
Not only is she a fabulous actress, but she’s also a pretty kick-ass woman and role model. She proves that it’s cool when you’re unafraid to be yourself.
I freaking love that!
Can we be real? I think we should. Back in my day, and most certainly in the current day of social media overload … teenagers feel this urge to be like everyone else. Being different isn’t cool, but being cookie cutter clones is … throw in your favorite Mean Girls reference here.
I was guilty of it, as you probably were too. As a teen, I was stressed when I didn’t have the popular brand of jeans, the cool tops, or the latest shoe craze. I just wanted to look like everyone else, after all. My smart parents didn’t put much stock into whether I had a trendy wardrobe, because there are more important things in life. And I’m so glad they did this. Honestly, my clothes were normal and fine. (Being a teen is so dramatic.)
My mom would probably feel guilt over this, but there’s no need. Seriously, Mom, I’m over it. In fact, it gave me a bit of a thicker skin and a desire to stand out in ways other than my appearance. And even though I grew up in a small town, where everyone is friends with everyone … I still felt this need to fit in so that I was “good enough”.
Now as we enter our 20’s we get out of our bubble and start realizing that conforming is pretty lame. Believe it or not, I discovered this in my college sorority. No, really, I did!!
This group of girls was so diverse that it encouraged me to figure out who I am. I’m still close to so many of them, and cannot thank them enough for inspiring me to just be me. Because being me was more than good enough.
It was a time in my life that I surprised myself at every turn. From choosing my major, to crazy travel experiences backpacking across Europe with a good friend, and then moving to a different country all by myself to pursuing a career that I never saw coming (I’m talking to you software industry!), well my 20’s were unexpected to say the least.
As unexpected as they were, I have to say that I really love my 30’s even more. Who knew?! Sure I wish I could go back to my 20’s where I was thinner and had more energy, and had fewer wrinkles (haha!) but only if I could do it with what I know now.
What I know now is that I’m pretty damn awesome! Make no mistake, I’m not perfect … nor do I pretend to be. I’m packed with flaws, but I also not only know who I am, but I totally EMBRACE who I am! And who is that?? I’m smart, a go-getter, never afraid of a challenge, a foodie through and through, I’m kind, a bit of an old soul, sarcastic and funny, a sports fan, and a creative spirit.
Here’s your ‘Unafraid to Be Yourself’ Challenge!
Who are you? Take a minute and do what I did – write it out … “I am ______” What are your talents, your passions, your good qualities? What do you LOVE about yourself? Take 3 minutes and do this exercise … you’ll be glad you did!
And as Emma states above, it’s totally beautiful when you are unafraid to be yourself. Embrace those quirks, fall back in love with a hobby you used to enjoy in your younger days. Be you with as much vigor as you can … after all, it’s what makes you special and unique.
Like this post? I’d love to hear from you if you did – comment below and let me know one thing you love about yourself?
Stay inspired & be you!
~Kelli
I love this post! Someone told me once that her thirties and forties were the best years of her life so far as she really knew who she was and was incredibly comfortable with herself. And I agree, every year of my thirties so far has been better than the last, and so much better than my twenties! Tho as you mentioned, I could do without the wrinkles that are developing on my face and body lol… Other than that, I am a kind hearted, hard working and highly amusing dag who loves to make people laugh and in turn feel good about themselves. Thanks for making me think abt that!! Xx
Thanks for the kind words, Ellyn!! So glad you enjoyed the post. And I am absolutely happy as can be to make you think about how amazing you are!!
Well said Kelli. It must be one of the (very few) upsides of getting older – being happier in your own skin. One thing I love about myself? I’m a pretty positive and upbeat person. Nothing gets me down for too long. Love that quote by Emma Stone!
I totally agree that getting older isn’t so bad. 😉 And I love those traits, and I like to try to embody them as well! Cheers to getting older with grace and wisdom!