One of the biggest risks in this life is being yourself.

Think about it: being open about sexual orientation is a risk. Speaking your mind at a meeting is a risk. Disagreeing with someone you love is a risk. Talking to your partner about complicated feelings is a risk.

Being yourself takes courage. The more you embrace your true self, the more you realize you’ll face difficulties of any kind. However, it’s worth trying.

Treasure the magnificent being that you are and recognize first and foremost you’re not here as human being only. You’re a spiritual being having a human experience.

wayne dyer

As noted in the video Marcus Aurelius – Stop Caring What People Think, it is necessary to be willing to “violate people’s expectations of you. You have to be willing to disappoint them. You have to be willing for them to react negatively.”

Sounds tricky, doesn’t it? It’s pretty common to depend on other people’s reactions to feel safe or confident. On the other hand, let’s consider this idea: if this attachment is the one thing that validates your success or sense of belonging, then it’ll be impossible to feel fully accomplished.

Here’s another powerful quote from that video:

If you sell water in a desert, does it matter what people think of you? If you can truly produce something of value, their opinions do not matter.

freedom in thought

So speak out loud in that meeting. Go live the life you’ve always wanted. Express yourself. Say no when you have to say no and be fearless. Be you.

What are your thoughts?

Complement this reading with some thoughts on how to know yourself and confidence as an ongoing process.