Be who you are

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." This quote by Steve Jobs really says it all.

Have you ever found yourself admiring or envying someone else's life—and then trying to emulate it? While there's nothing wrong with being inspired by others, the only life you can really live is your own. What works for someone else may be completely wrong for you. Best to become well acquainted with yourself, your needs, your deep passions and desires and follow those through to where you need to be.

For so long, I wished to be less excitable and more calm in my interactions—more like an older woman I really admire. Eventually I realized that I am a passionate person by nature. I get excited about things and everyone around me pretty much knows what I feel! I am passionate about causes about which I feel deeply. So it dawned on me that I needed to value that part of me and not try to lose it. It's part of what makes me me.

Do you have areas of your life like that? Sometimes, there truly are things we need to tweak or change so that life will go more smoothly. It's important to recognize what really makes us unique and authentic, however, and just go with that.

Authenticity. It's so important. Live the life you have. Be who you were created to be. Be who you are. Can there be anything better than just being the best you that you can be?