Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Remember who you are . . .


A few weeks ago, my daughter was telling me about something that people were doing on Facebook.   People were suppose to change their picture, to a picture of a celebrity that they thought they looked like.  for some reason, that just rubbed me the wrong way, and I have been thinking about it for a long time, and contemplating why some feel the need to look like someone else, especially a celebrity!  I guess it's just the society that we live in, we are so media driven. 

Now, for some people on Facebook, I'm sure that was not a problem, but for others, I think it was probably very discouraging  - -  let's get real, how many of us look like a celebrity?  How many of us want to look like a celebrity?   I think we all struggle at different times in our lives with just being who we are, let alone trying to compare ourselves to others!  I know it was done with good intentions and no harm intended, but I think that for some, it must have been very hard and self-defeating.

Don't get me wrong, I don't see anything wrong with seeing the good in others and trying to develop those same traits in yourself, there is always room for improvement, no matter who you are.  But what's wrong with accepting ourselves for who we are?  Sometimes I think we have simply forgotten who we are.   This is certainly something I have been working on for a very long time.  It has taken years for me to accept me for who I am, and to simply remember who I am.  I still struggle with it on a daily basis. . . but I'm trying.  I have come to realize that when I accept myself, and remember who I am, I am more accepting of others, and who they are.

Here are a few tips that help me and I believe will help you succeed at just being yourself and remembering who you are :

Never say or think negative things about yourself
This is so hard, but we need to remember, the way we talk and think about ourselves reveals how we feel about ourselves.  I try to think and sometimes say out loud, something good about myself everyday, especially when I am feeling down.  What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.

Don't compare yourself with others.
God must love variety or He wouldn't have created us all so differently—even down to our fingerprints. You'll never succeed at being yourself if you're trying to be like someone else. Other people can be a good example to you, but duplicating even their good traits will manifest differently through your individual personality.  Love and accept who you are, because of your differences.

Have the courage to be different and deal with criticism
If you dare to be different, you’ll have to expect some criticism. Going along with the crowd - when you know in your heart God’s leading you a different way - is one reason people don't succeed at being themselves. You won't like yourself very much if you go against your own convictions. 

Don't let the way another person treats you determine your worth
I love the Disney movie, The Lion King. My favorite line in that movie was when Mufasa's ghost was talking to Simba and said,  "Remember who you are . . . you are my son."  Never forget who you are, you are a daughter or a son of God, and you are of great worth!

One last thought . . .God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly.

 Blessings,

11 comments:

Packrat said...

Barb, your insight is truly amazing. This is such a lovely post. Thank you. (Yes, I thought those celebrity pictures were rather silly. The idea of putting up a picture from your childhood was cuter. I did neither. You get me as I am.)

Hope you are feeling better!

The Halls said...

That is so strange that people would change their picture. I agree with you that we should accept ourselves for who we are and not worry what other people think about us. I like the steps to take each day. Love, Laura

Barb said...

Packrat - I so agree with you, what you see is what you get! I am feeling better, thanks for asking! Hugs

Laura - We are who we are! Thanks for stopping, love you

Unknown said...

You know most celebrities don't look like what we see. The photos are touched up, plus they don't always have all the make up and hair stylists at home. My grip is the unreal thinness now, esp. in young adults and teens. Yes, we should embrace who we are and not compare ourselves with others.As a blogger I find I have to remember to be me and not try and be like someone else. Your tips are great. Linda

Barb said...

Linda - Thanks for your comment - I so agree with you. There are such so many unrealistic expectations from the media put on our youth - things in magazines are never what they appear to be! As a blogger, it is fun to see what others do and feel - and I have to think about every word I type . . .just trying to be me!

The WIlloughby Family said...

I like this, great reminder! Thanks Mom!

Karen Beth said...

I agree with you whole heartedly and when I saw that on face book I thought the same thing. I feel like the older I get the more I like myself and the way I look. I guess I am becoming more accepting of a lot of things the older I get. I hope you are feeling better this afternoon. Love you.

Barb said...

Jess- We all need a little reminder sometimes! Love you

Karen - I think you are beautiful just the way you are! I am feeling better, hope we're still on for Thursday. Love you

Kimmie said...

Barb pls pop by my blog for a lovely deserving award!

Hugs

Kimmie
x

Susan B said...

Hi Barb,
What a great post! The tips you've given are exactly right. I've struggled with these issues myself through out my life. I'm better at accepting myself now that I'm older, but getting here hasn't been easy. I believe my faith has helped me the most with this, knowing God loves me completely for who I am. Thank you for sharing this.

Barb said...

Kimmie - I'll be right there!

Susan - Thank you for stopping, you are so right, acceptance and faith are the key to happiness.

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