Who Are You?

All around us we see standards of what society says we should be. Men and women with unrealistic physiques, music on the radio, and products we should buy are constantly being shoved in our faces. We are not enough. In my opinion, it is a fantastic business strategy, our media and society, pressuring and shaming who people naturally are so they will buy, buy, buy. However, this is a terrible humanity strategy. What if, instead of billions of unique people working to achieve one image, we all worked to achieve OUR full potential as individuals? I believe that humanity would function at a more optimal level. This way, all we would need to be better than, is our previous self; what a concept!

I struggle with this idea (though it is a good one) because I often don't feel good enough, but why? Often times I like to construct self analysis to gauge where I am at mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Through this process I have found that without external things in my way, I enjoy who I am and who I am becoming. I notice my imperfections but don't wallow in them because my faults and appearance aren't defined by other opinions, just me.I am more than okay with who I am yet extremely motivated to become more self-actualized.

Contrary to my opinion of myself, it is when I receive compliments and criticism from others that I struggle. I have a hard time believing that another human could see something unique or special about me. I believe the criticisms though, funny right? Why is it so hard to believe the good yet so easy to believe the bad? The truth is, when people open up their mouths, it has nothing to do with you but rather, them. Even when someone offers a compliment to you, that is based on their own premises and opinion. Overall, be yourself. I know we hear this all the time but dig deeper into this statement...who are you?