Just. Be. YOU.

Four reasons why you should: 1) Be happy of who you are 2) Appreciate yourself and 3) Love yourself.

Scenario:

You hang with a dynamic group of friends...let's say three. One of them is a very quiet for the most part, the other one is very funny, and the third is super talkative...and then, there's you. You happen to be the outspoken and spontaneous one. Last week, while hanging out with them, you went on a loop and said something totally random and did something spontaneous. At that time, you were in the moment and so it didn't bother you much,  you were having fun, but now looking back at it, you're thinking "man. Why do I allllways do that? I am always the one making a fool out of myself."

Aside from the over-generalization thinking (always, never) and possible magnification of the situation...I thought it'll be good to remind you of a few things:


4. Genetically speaking, according to research, "heritability estimates from behavioral genetics studies show that about half of phenotypic (observerable) variance in most temperament and personality traits is attributable to genetic variation in a population" Damon, 2008, pg. 63 (Child and Adolesecent Development: An Advanced Course). In other words, there are some things you are just born with, and although the environment, and self can influence your temperament and personality traits for the better or worse, there is a limit to how much can be done for complete alteration. For instance, not anyone has the capability to go from an average of 10 pushups a minute to 400 pushups. For some, they may be just capable of going from 10 to 100 with lots of practice, and for others the range may be higher...So, stop beating yourself up...it's not all YOUR fault :) ha ha. *Don't lose hope, however, there is a God who can do complete make-overs..*.

3.  There's always a reason for responding a certain way to a certain thing/person. This could go for anything. For instance, someone said something to you that was very demeaning (could be significant other), and you got mad. You shouldn't feel sorry for that afterward. You responded that way because you felt you were disrespected, as an example, and you thought you deserved a lot better of a treatment than you received. And if that was the case, you should feel that way...because you do deserve better. [[however, that doesn't mean you have the right to take it further and act unprofessionally or unethically---....*cough cough* <--right on. [[So glad to see her arrive at that stage of development. Some serious learning experience. Follow her lead if you're experiencing this right now..guy or girl.]].

2. Isn't it interesting that it's easier to accept someone for who they are, and not yourself for who you are?....Be fair to yourself. You are AS cool as whoever you THINK is cool. We are our worst critics because we know ourselves way too well. Most of  the time, the way we interpret our behaviors is rarely interpreted by others the same way.  Life is 10% of what happens and 90% of how we react to it. *smile* :). Don't you think that others experience the same, but unlike you--maybe-- they don't spend time beating themselves to death about it? Chill. You're good.

1. Finally, I am sure you already knew this but meh, it's good to end with this:  You are beautifully and wonderfully made. When God made you, He took His time. Stop criticizing His creation. You couldn't have done any better :-D

After all is said and done...remember: there's always room for improvement. If your behaviors are not healthy, do something about it. Bad habits are not what's hott. Keep it real, but make sure it's pleasing God, above all.


Have a FANTASTIC weekend [cause I'm planning on it, myself]!! lol