I have heard the saying 'be yourself' so many times before. As easy as it to say, in reality it’s not something we know how to do. I have struggled with it.

Taking a look at ourselves

We should start by looking at ourselves. We should learn to accept ourselves by getting to know us, what we like and what we dislike, what makes us.

Emotional and spiritual growth

Emotional and spiritual growth is necessary for an easier life. It's not to say that your life will be easy, no one can order that kind of life, but having emotional and spiritual growth means the transition through life should be easier.

When we allow someone else to define us, we can never be ourselves. We need to work on accepting our mistakes, our decisions and move on and need to stop worrying about how others perceive you.

Pleasing yourself

We can't please everyone, so logic says there is no point in trying. Always having to be on our guard because of something we've said, only serves to make us more guarded.

Let go of your concerns so that you can use your own considerations as a filter. Learn to be open and honest about yourself and try not to beat yourself up on the things you have failed at.

There are lots of things we don’t like about ourselves physically, learn to like those parts of you too. Only then will you unconditionally accept being you.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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8 comments on “Being yourself”

  1. I think people are more uncomfortable when they aren't themselves.

    If everyone would accept all for who they are and accept themselves for who they are the world may be a different place.

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