The way we define ourselves comes from a lifetime of decisions we’ve made, people we’ve met, and the roles we have had to play. We’ve come to know ourselves, the external part of what we’re sharing with others. It’s what we believe ourselves to be, how we expect ourselves to act.

Those around us have cultivated these definitions as well, by reinforcing and identifying us in limiting ways. But the beliefs we hold don’t always benefit us- they don’t leave us room to grow. They don’t give us the flexibility to be better, kinder, or more courageous.

When a situation arises that we’ve faced before, the way we think we know ourselves so well pushes us to react the way we always have. Maybe we stay angrier longer, allow ourselves to be jealous, or not let someone know how we really feel simply because “we are who we are."

Of course, we’ve defined ourselves in means of self-love. We know we are funny or easy to talk to. But are we forgiving ourselves for what we used to be, to allow ourselves to become all that we can? When we challenge the beliefs we have about ourselves, we can become all that we can truly be.

We can shake the belief that we are shy by allowing ourselves the room to take a chance on being bold. It's uncomfortable; it's new.

But it’s the beginning of growth towards the potential we have to be the love within us. Maybe you’ve never been one to defend what you believe in- but that doesn’t mean you don’t have it in you.

Raise your hand in class when you normally just listen.

Accept an apology when you’d normally hold the grudge.

Tell the person you love how they make you feel.

Our time here is finite; life is too short to hold ourselves back any longer. Set yourself free of barriers; be all you can be.