Be authentic. Have the courage to allow people to see the real you. Be
willing to be judged, and even encourage it. It’s good for
self-knowledge and for developing thick skin. As you become and express
your best self, others will think great things about you, and the few
that don’t won’t matter anyway. If all this is too extreme for you,
start by taking small steps. Expect it to be hard, and show yourself
some compassion; you’re swimming against ancient currents thousands of
generations old. Rather than not caring at all what others think of you,
start by just caring less. Be open to what they think and feel, and
consider their opinions, but decide for yourself how to act. Care what
the important people in your life think, but only those whose opinions
you value. Strangers should not get a vote in how you live your life
..................MARIKI HEAVENLIGHT
