Oct. 1

We're learning a new behavior. It's called Be Who You Are.

For some of us, this can be frightening. What would happen if we felt what we felt, said what we wanted, became firm about our beliefs, and valued what we needed? What would happen if we let go of our camouflage of adaptation? What would happen if we owned our power to be ourselves?

Would people still like us? Would they go away? Would they become angry?

There comes a time when we become willing and ready to take that risk. To continue growing, and living with ourselves, we realize we must liberate ourselves. It becomes time to stop allowing ourselves to be so controlled by others and their expectations and be true to ourselves - regardless of the reaction of others.

Before long, we begin to understand. Some people may go away, but the relationship would have ended anyway. Some people stay and love and respect us more for taking the risk of being who we are. We begin to achieve intimacy, and relationships that work.

We discover that who we are has always been good enough. It is who we were intended to be.

Today, I will own my power to be myself.

anger is inevitable

cept for the future generation somewhere down the line

Great advice and an importance lesson for us all, Winx.

Over the years I've had to learn that complete adaption to a man and his world does not necesary equal love, and that I must remain true to who I am. However, you do need to compromise, without either of you losing yourself in the relationship.

I also know that I want a man who is comfortable being himself with me, who tells me what he thinks not what I want to hear (most the time anyway!lol), and who values me for the person I am. 'Cause in my book when you finally find yourself you are free to really give yourself to love without losing at all.

that was prob the best thing i've heard all day thanx winx ur awesome

Thank you. It's from the book, The Language of Letting Go.

KeepingTheFaith, I was thinking about the compromising part, also. I, too, feel that it is important for men to not say what they think we want to hear - just be themselves. (What a sentence.)

I concur with goldenstar. Great thoughts from everyone.

I have been doing that over the past few months. Its a good thing.

I like being myself. So if others can't handle it that's their problem not mine. LOL.

after i turned 40 i just so didn't care what anyone thinks about me...it is sooo liberating to just say what you think and really, really not care what anyone thinks...my kids really enjoy this about me too...lol

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

Melody Beattie is a wonderful writer, I've read some of her books.

I never promised anyone that I would grow old gracefully. I plan on becoming a hell's granny and ride a Harley, I also made a promise to my daughter that I would have a ton of piercings and visit her house just so I could dribble on her furniture.

Yes, I am going to be myself, so liberating.

Thank you for sharing this with us {{{{{ winx }}}}} A beautiful rendition of self expression

Thank you and you're welcome both.