1-19-20 Just Be You
Quote: “Just Be You…and if people don’t like it, then find new people.”
A principal I once worked for said this phrase on the announcements to the kiddos at our elementary school every morning: “And don’t forget! Be brave, be creative, be kind, be thankful…” And then she would end it by saying, “…and just be you.”
I think about this a lot throughout the day as I teach and how important this lil’ phrase really is. Just be you! Every time one of my boys says they want to try something new, we never try to talk them out of it. We hear them out, listen to their heart, and encourage them. Why? Because they are still trying to figure out “who” they are. They don’t know yet.
So why do we stop doing that as adults? Why are we so afraid of what others think? Why do we try to hide who we really are? I have struggled my whole life with being that square peg that didn’t fit in the round hole. I knew I was different so instead of embracing it, I would try to be like whoever I was around, just so I would blend in a little better. It’s not always fun to stand out.
In the Bible in Ephesians 5:8, it says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” I believe we just need to embrace it. Go with it. Walk into the light and shine. Be that little girl or boy inside of us that has always been there.
There is a phrase that I started repeating over and over not too long ago. It has become a daily mantra, to help remind myself to not put such an emphasis on what others think of me: “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea…and that’s okay!” It’s hard trying to be a different person around different people just because you don’t fit the normal mold. Just be who you were meant to be.
Yes, people may think you are weird or different. Then don’t hang out with those people! Surround yourself with people who love your flavor of tea. I had a good friend buy me a coffee cup that says: “You’re my cup of tea!” to remind me she loves me just the way I am. Find those that accept you the way you are and hold on tight to them. These are your tribe. Your people.
Just be you!
I love you being you . Authentic is real who wants a fake !
You have taught me to never try to be someone else – I am uniquely made with a specific purpose. Being me is hard enough. Authenticity is where it’s at!
I love this. It really touches home. My whole life I always felt I wasn’t good enough. So, in turn I would put on a different mask depending which group of people I was around at the time. If I was in country I listen t country music. If I was in the ghetto I listen to Rap. Do you see where i’m going with this? For many years I didn’t have my own identity. Until I began to build my relationship with God. He started to show me the real me and that I had a purpose. I still have to take steps everyday to becoming the genuine Amber. I figured its the least I can do considering the man died for me. I remind myself every day progression not perfection. So as long as I get 1 thing done for my good each day, then i’m still moving forward with God. Being the person God made me to be is freeing! I have true Joy today!
I love your perspective Amber! You are doing it the right way – not trying to change a million things all at once. I used to be like you too and I thank God I met you when I did. 2 fake people would have been no fun! I’ve decided I’ve hurt him enough with my bad choices – I want to spend the rest of my life showing God how thankful I am for the life he’s give me! Love doing life with you sweet friend!