To Thine Own Self Be True

To thine own self be true! William Shakespeare penned these words many years ago. However, to me, they are still relevant, fresh and true. Many times in our lives as ladies we try so much to live up to the expectations of others-our parents, siblings, friends, boyfriends, etc.- that who we are, our uniqueness, individuality, what makes us special, is sometimes lost in the shuffle.

Sometimes in life we may find it’s easier to conform to what people want us to become because, it may minimize the risk of being rejected or hurt. Nevertheless, in the times when you want so desperately to conform ask yourself, “Am I being true to myself?” Is this really who I am?” Is this who God has predestined me to be? If it’s not, you need to rethink, is it really worth it?

Why should you be the one to conform? Your thoughts, your dreams, your ideas are important. You have something unique and special to contribute to society. However, how will you do so if every time someone comes up with an idea that is different from yours you give up your idea and conform to theirs’? People will not respect your ideas or values if you act as if they are unimportant.

India Arie sings a song “Strength, Courage & Wisdom, part of it says

Inside my head there lives a dream that I want to see in the sun
Behind my eyes there lives a me that I've been hiding for much too long
˜Cause I've been, too afraid to let it show
˜Cause I'm scared of the judgment that may follow
Always putting off my living for tomorrow
It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith
It's been illusive for so long, but freedom is mine today
I've gotta step out on faith, It's time to show my faith
Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found

Chorus
Strength, courage, and wisdom
And it's been inside of me all along,
Strength, courage, and wisdom
Inside of me

I remember a preacher saying once, "you're not here to blend in. You're here to stand out. No one will ever notice you if you blend in." God made each of us unique and wants us to be different, He doesn't want us to be like everyone else. He wants us to become the person he's called us to be. Proverbs 3:5-6 says;

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

So I encourage you to Trust God! Talk to him about your future and he he will direct your path. Also, remember Shakespeare’s words, to thine own self be true. At the end of the day you have to look at yourself in the mirror. Are you being true to the one that is staring back at you?