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INTRODUCTION
A few days ago, I made a decision to try something new: a pixie hairstyle. https://za.pinterest.com/pin/27584616461833859/ I thought it would look great on me, but I was nervous about choosing the right colour. Being a bit light-skinned, I eventually settled on blond, though I still doubted if it would match my complexion.
On my way to the salon, I couldn’t shake off the anxious feeling in my stomach. Sitting in that chair, waiting for the transformation to happen, I closed my eyes several times, too afraid to see the outcome. When it was finally done, I felt a mixture of excitement and dread as I left the salon.
But as I went about my daily routines, I noticed people staring at me strangely. It made me doubt my decision even more, so I started wearing a mask to hide my new look, even at work.
One morning, standing in front of the mirror at work, I had a realisation. The mask I was wearing wasn’t just to protect me from the flu; it was shielding me from accepting myself. With a surge of determination, I took it off and faced my reflection head-on.
At that moment, I made a pact with myself. I acknowledged my beauty and decided to embrace it, regardless of what others thought. Stepping out without my mask, I felt a newfound sense of confidence and freedom wash over me. And as I walked with my head held high, I realised that true beauty comes from within, from loving and accepting oneself wholeheartedly.
External opinions may cloud our self-perception, but our reaction is crucial. We can let them shape us or choose self-acceptance. It’s about valuing ourselves and staying authentic, regardless of others’ views.
This post will teach you why you need to be your first admirer, supporter and a friend.
YOU HOLD THE POWER
Taking charge of our lives often means exposing ourselves to the negative opinions of others, which can deeply influence our sense of self and our aspirations. We unintentionally give them power by seeking their approval to feel good about ourselves. This reliance becomes crippling, as we wait for their validation before daring to pursue something new. Yet, more often than not, that green light never comes. People tend to disapprove of those who dare to stand out from the crowd
The need for validation leads to:
- A dream not realised
- Doubts in oneself
- Loss of confidence
- Dependency in people’s approval
- An unhappy life
- A ruined life full of regrets
IT STARTS WITH YOU
The story that I narrated shows you that the world will react negatively to you when you decide to be different. This is why its very important to start a bond with yourself. The first step is to
1. Talk to yourself
Talking to yourself can be a transformative practice. When you’re alone, express your worries, dreams, and thoughts out loud. I’ve made some of my best decisions this way. It’s about becoming your own ally and realizing your capacity for self-fulfillment.
2. Be the love of your life
Just like JLo’s anthem “Love of My Life” be your own greatest love. Prioritize self-love above all else, seeing love from others as an added bonus. Try my practice: I gaze at myself in the mirror before stepping out, seeking my own approval first. It may seem simple, but it boosts my
- Self Confidence
- Self Esteem
- Happiness
and ensures I face the world with self-assurance.
LET THE DREAMER IN YOU SOAR
When you decide to quit a job that no longer makes you happy, some might call you crazy because it’s not what everyone does. Many people stay in jobs they don’t like because it’s familiar, even if it’s not fulfilling. But if you’re struggling to make that leap because of what others might think, remember Yasmine Cheyenne’s words: “You second guess yourself because you feel responsible for how others react to your choices.”
You need to stop worrying about others’ opinions and believe in yourself. Age doesn’t matter. If you still dream of a better life, take a risk. People might not support your dream, and they might even make fun of you. But don’t doubt yourself. Use your own approval to move forward and feel confident.
My story is proof that people won’t accept you until you accept yourself and your dreams. I want to be the second person, after you, to support all the good things you’re doing for yourself, whether it’s chasing your dreams or simply loving yourself.
Embrace your uniqueness, my dear ones, and let’s celebrate our individuality without fear. Be the first to validate yourself and take pride in who you are.
The picture below is the hairstyle I talked about.
Your blog is a true hidden gem on the internet. Your thoughtful analysis and engaging writing style set you apart from the crowd. Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you so much Raheem. This is a great feedback I will keep them coming.