Monday Morning Margarita

“It’s not that easy being green.” Kermit the Frog

Happy Monday!

I had a very interesting random thought this past week…

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard, read or even uttered the words “be yourself,” more times than you can count. People say this like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Perhaps it should be–but it’s not!

From the time we’re born, we’re assimilated–into our families, school, religious and/or social organizations, our work places, etcetera. We spend the majority of our formative years figuring out how to navigate and fit into all the different systems and environments that make up our lives. And while we learn and discover many things about ourselves along the way, I’d argue that the greater majority of us don’t really know what it means to “be yourself.”

I’m no psychologist, so I could be way off base, but based on my experiences, being yourself is not innate. In fact, I feel like I’m just truly becoming myself–the self I want to be–at the ripe old age of 43. Sure, I’ve done a lot self-help stuff over the years, and I’ve seen growth and improvement; but it took some very unexpected events that literally pulled the rug out from under me to get me to take serious stock–to ask myself the difficult questions, answer them, and make decisions to live in a way that is consistent with who I want to be, and the life I want to live. And believe me when I tell you, it wasn’t and isn’t easy. I’ve come a long way, but I also know I’m only at the tip of the iceberg.

At earlier points in my life, I’ve shied away from doing all the work it takes to truly come into my own. It’s HARD, and downright scary. This time, I didn’t have that luxury. My situation necessitated it–and I’m glad it did! I’ve grown more in the last 10 months than I have at any other single point of my life, and I’m excited about my future!

I’ve come to the realization that coming into my own gets easier, but it’s never easy. It’s a life-long process–but it doesn’t have to be daunting.

If you find yourself struggling with “being yourself,” know that you’re not alone. (Like I said, it’s NOT the most natural thing in the world.) Whatever you do, don’t back down! Keep going!

It’s not that easy being green, but I promise you, it’s SO worth it.

I love Mondays!