Be Yourself – Live Your Life

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

I’ve never done that. My self was challenged from the moment I was born. Literally. I can never remember being right or being good enough. The only person who ever acknowledged who I was, was my mother, but as she pointed out, it had done me no good.

The most supportive people in my life have been my close friends. I’ve never been popular but what I have had and do have, has been and is amazing. Truly good people. Straight from God as far as I’m concerned.

I have learned two things from this:

1. No matter how hard you try you will never be good enough for those who don’t want you to be.
2. No way do you let those people change you.

I’ve protected my heart and held onto my soul. Every single person who has hurt me did so unnecessarily, you can talk to me and I will listen. This I know beyond doubt and I trust myself on that. I don’t normally need telling I’m wrong, but I will respect your feelings even if I don’t feel wrong, and I will take action.

Providing it doesn’t compromise my-self

Sometimes you have to show people that they do matter, that they are important, and sacrifice a tiny bit of yourself, because you love them more than a point of view, or personal belief. If they’re worth it to you it costs nothing.

Actions speak louder than words and my mum always taught me “don’t say sorry do sorry, it’s an action word.” I make sure that people can see that I’m sorry. However, watch the actions of others towards you too.

If actions and words don’t match, the actions are the truth. Words are spoken because we know what we’re supposed to say, but humans will show you what they really mean. Never ignore it.

Take aways

• I’ve always compromised myself in my life, it isn’t saintliness it was just who I was taught to be. We all want to be kind and caring, loved and liked, but when you realise you’re starting to lose your self, stop. Only you can call a halt.

• Anyone in your life should like you the way you are, if they don’t, if they’re constantly asking for change and no matter what you do it doesn’t help, listen and move on.

• To eternally comprise is to lose yourself, and possibly everything you could have been. If people ask you to give too much just quietly say no, mean no, and do no. People need to see by your actions that you mean what you say.

• It’s never too late to call a halt and step onto your own life path, one where you recognise your worth.

• If you have dreams don’t sacrifice them for anyone or anything. You’ll pay the price, they won’t.

Love

Deb xx