When I was a child, I wanted everyone to like me. It used to just tear me up when someone didn’t like me. Or when they stopped liking me because I didn’t like what they liked or because I stood my ground or spoke my opinion or whatever. But as I got older, I realized that if someone didn’t like for me who I was, then it was ok. Because if that was the case, then chances are, they really weren’t that good of friend to begin with.

And I know how hard of a realization that is to accept.

But the truth is, you don’t need anyone’s approval.

You are worthy all on your own.

So, stop seeking approval. Stop seeking approval outside of yourself.

Stop seeking approval to be you. To quit your job if that’s what you want to do. To move to Timbuktu if you want to. To be who you really are down deep inside.

Stop hiding your truth. Stop fuming inside because you think you can’t have all you want.

You can.

As soon as you decide you are worthy all on your own. As soon as you decide you are going to be the real you. As soon as you decide to stand up for yourself. To be who you were born to be. To do epic shit.

The only approval you need is your own.

If you feel it’s right for you or good enough for you or the best for you, then embrace it. Embrace who you are by becoming your true self. Nobody can give you approval.

True and lasting approval comes from within.

And the only person you need to like you, is yourself. If you like yourself, others will too. When you like yourself, your attitude will change and you’ll become a magnet. Because when you treat yourself with kindness, others will too.

You show people how to treat you by how you treat yourself.

Think you’ve been dealt a shitty hand by life?

Think again. It’s your attitude. It’s your view. You can choose every day to be better. You can choose to change the course.

Every day you have a choice. Every morning when you wake up, make a conscious choice to be YOU.

“Every change is a challenge to become who we really are.” ~ Marianne Williamson

What are you choosing now?

Until next time . . . keep blazin’!

Wishing you success, love + fire in your belly . . .

Sometimes when you least expect it, life hands you a lesson. Here are 11 lessons I’ve learned over the past few years that really hit home with me this week, especially.

1. Don’t stop riding. I’ve always loved bike riding (bicycle, not motorcycle) and it’s the one childhood activity I kept into adulthood, long after I gave up playing baseball and basketball. But a few years when my back injury got really bad, I stopped riding. And I really regret that. It’s time to get back up!
2. Eat breakfast. For the most part, I can’t stand breakfast food – I’m allergic to eggs, hate sausage, don’t eat bacon, etc. And toast is boring. And cereal is for kids. Plus, I’m allergic to milk (and dairy products) also and I don’t eat many cold foods, either, so there goes that. But . . . I really should eat breakfast. At least, that’s what all the experts say. (I’m open to suggestions! LOL)
3. Spend time with friends. I stopped hanging out with the people I cared most about. Sad and totally rotten, I know. And I’m deeply sorry. I wish I had an explanation that would make sense and help those special people understand, but the truth is, I just don’t. Any excuse – no matter how true, because I wouldn’t lie to them, ever – would just be lame. The bottom line is, it’s my fault and I hope they forgive me.
4. Find balance between being mom and being a woman. Essentially, I let the kids take over my life. Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m NOT in any way saying I shouldn’t always be there for them – because I WILL always be there for them, regardless. But I can’t always let myself down in the process. I’ve got to take care of me and find balance between being mom and just being me – the friend, the woman, entrepreneur, lover.
5. Release your inhibitions. This is a big one for me! I have let my inhibitions hold me back. And if you know me, this is “normal” for me – I am a rather reserved person in real life, believe it or not. But I had an epiphany earlier this week and I’m going to work hard to release those inhibitions. Because, really – the only person holding me back is me.
6. Read often. Lately, I haven’t read much. I used to read 3-4 books a WEEK, but in recent months, I’m lucky if I read 3-4 books a MONTH. And that’s just not like me. I’ve always been an avid reader and it’s time to start again. In fact, I ordered 3 new books today.
7. Raise the bar. I’ve gotten used to mediocre. That’s not a good thing. Because I’m one of those people who has always known exactly what I wanted, spoken my mind and not been afraid to be opinionated about it. Over the past few years, though, I’ve let that drive mellow out and I’m really thinking that was not a bright idea. I now feel totally lost and it’s time to get back out there and be real.
8. Take long, hot baths often. I stopped taking bubble baths a few years ago. I know – serious crime! It was something I tried to do as often as possible just to relax and renew my spirit but I stopped and I certainly should not have. I am hoping to get a hot tub soon so I can start again! A bath is the perfect place to meditate and reflect.
9. Turn up the radio. I love music! I’ve always got the radio on but sometimes, you just gotta turn the volume up! Turn it up loud and let it shake your soul. It’s almost as cleansing as a good cry.
10. Don’t be afraid to say no. As an entrepreneur and freelancer, I often take on projects that I probably should have passed on. But you know what? Saying no when necessary is empowering! In fact, I’ve learned that if I can’t say “HELL YEAH! I wanna do that!” Then I should probably just say no altogether.
11. Open your heart. Love is the most precious gift and if you can’t open your heart to another, you can’t truly live an abundant life. I’m learning – finally – that even when your heart is broken, love is still the answer.
12. And a BONUS lesson - Never skip dessert. ‘Nuff said.

Until next time . . . keep blazin’!