Have the Courage to Just Be Yourself No Matter What Others Say

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Having the courage to “Just be Yourself” is not for the faint of heart.

It takes chutzpah to present your true self boldly and unapologetically into a world that often prefers conformity over all else.

Yet. If you are someone who has already summoned the courage required to be comfortable being viewed as different which I wrote about here. Then the next step is to have the courage to “Just be You”. To be true to yourself no matter what others say or do.

This step, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson, is the greatest personal accomplishment.

What Does It Mean to Just Be Yourself?

Of course, I don’t know exactly how Ralph Waldo Emerson would have explained what “Just Being Yourself” means. However, I imagine it would have something to do with the alignment of our inward and outward life.

When our inward beliefs and thoughts align with our outward actions. We are being our true selves. For example when what we say, do, and how we present ourselves to the world outwardly matches our true inner beliefs and thoughts. We are then living true to ourselves.

I believe there comes a time in all our lives when we will have to confront the following truth. That the only way we’re going to truly be happy and live our absolute best life. Is when we are living true to who we are from the inside of our core to the outside of our physical being.

In order to accomplish this. We must first make peace with the understanding that when we choose to live our lives from the precipice of being true to ourselves. Whatever that may mean for us individually. It will not always be palatable to everyone. Sometimes it will require letting go of the fear of what other people say and think about our truth.

Because of this, it helps if we extend grace to let people be who they are. As we commit to authentically being who we are in the world. Note, this excludes choices that result in physical or emotional hurt, harm, or danger to ourselves or others. In those instances. Swift justice and corrective behavior are warranted.

4 Declarations for Your “Just be You” Journey

1. Declare: This Is Who and How I Am

Choose to be courageous enough to own who and how you are in the world by accepting it without reservation. When you are comfortable with who and how you are. There is not much anyone else can do or say that will rattle you.

Always remember that out of the over 7.5 billion people in the world. There is only one you. You have been uniquely created to “Just Be Yourself”. So, take pride in it and walk in the unique creation of who you are boldly and confidently.

2. Declare: This Is What I Believe

Remember. At a certain point in our lives what we believe (or don’t believe) is our own personal choice. Although attempts may be made to force you to believe one way or another. The truth remains. What we choose to believe, or not. Is strictly a personal decision that doesn’t require anyone else’s approval.

What is it that you truly believe? Why do you believe it? Your answers to the questions of what you believe and why you believe it can only come from inside of you. Once you know the answers. Stand on it and boldly and confidently declare. This is what I believe.

3. Declare: What I Believe and What Others Believe May Be Different

Know and understand this fact. There will never be a time when everyone believes the same thing. It’s not rationally possible. Although we share a common humanity as inhabitants on earth. We will never all agree on what we believe about the multitude of issues we face during this experience called life.

Because of this, it’s imperative that we understand and become comfortable with the fact. That at any given time. There is always a multitude of beliefs coexisting in the atmosphere. So, the discovery that what we believe may be different from what others believe is not only highly likely. It’s a given.

4. Declare: Being Different is Not Bad or Wrong It’s Just Different

Herein lies one of our greatest challenges. Learning to embrace that difference is not bad or wrong. It’s just different. Unfortunately, there will always be some who believe a certain way. And any deviation from what they have come to believe will be a definite sign that those who deviate are flat out bad and wrong. During these times, bowing out gracefully is prudent. No need expending too much energy in this type of space.

This is when the decision to agree to disagree is the only viable solution. Fortunately, as humanity continues to evolve. More and more people are learning to accept the truth that different isn’t necessarily bad or wrong. It is just different. And that’s good news for all of us.

In Conclusion:

When we consider the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson regarding how the world is constantly trying to make us into something else. It is no surprise that being one’s true self requires a hefty dose of courage. Even so, I encourage you to declare you will do it anyway.

Just being yourself is an accomplishment that once achieved is worthy of all your courageous efforts. So go for it. Have the courage to just be you and always be true to yourself no matter what. You are a beautiful and unique creation. And the world is waiting for you to just be yourself.

Until the next time…

Much Love & Peace,

CarlaDee