Ten Reasons to Be Yourself

1. There’s no one else like you in this whole world.

Do you know how brilliant that is? You are the best person in the whole world at being you! And the world needs what only you can offer.

“You were born an original. Don't die a copy.”
~ John Mason

2. It shows you who your true friends are.

By being yourself, you can find people who love you for who you really are, instead of people who only like you when you’re pretending to be someone else.

“Be who you are and say what you feel,

because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

~ Dr. Seuss

3. By being yourself, you give others permission to be themselves.

When others see you being so wonderfully you, it will make them feel like they can be themselves, too. This will lead to more authentic and fulfilling friendships. Not to mention, others will admire and respect you for having the courage to be yourself.

“There is just one life for each of us: our own.”

~ Euripides

4. Being yourself also means knowing yourself, and loving yourself.

The more often you allow your true self to shine, the more you will get to know yourself, and trust your intuition to lead you in the right direction. And once you start to get to know you who really are, you will start to see how awesome you are, and you may even fall in love with yourself!

“Like the sky opens after a rainy day we must open to ourselves. Learn to love yourself for who you are, and open so the world can see you shine.” 

~ James Poland

5. Being yourself puts you on the right path.

As you start to trust yourself, it will become easier for you to know what is right for you, and what isn’t. Doing what is right for you will lead you down the path that is meant for you.

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls." 

~ Joseph Campbell

6. Being yourself is the key to freedom.

When you are true to yourself, everything else becomes easier. You are free to follow your heart, without worrying about what others want you to do.

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” 

~ Coco Chanel

7. It’s so much fun!

It means you are always adding a touch of your unique awesomeness to everything you do, everywhere you go, and everyone you meet! How magical is that?!

“I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I've written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part.” 

~ Shirley MacLaine

8. It’s the bravest thing you can ever do.

It’s weak to pretend to be something you’re not just to fit in, but you weren’t born to fit in. You were born to shine. And it shows real courage to be completely yourself, no matter what.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

~ E. E. Cummings

9. It’s the path to true happiness.

It’s impossible to be truly happy when you are trying to be who you think others want you to be. You will never make everyone happy, but you can always make yourself happy.

“It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.” 

~ Desiderius Erasmus

10. You are amazing.

This is so true. You are a miracle, and you are perfect, just as you are.
Believe it.

(Text credit: The Peer Pressure Project)