While writing Not that Kind of Girl I discovered how important it is to be true to yourself.

I realized that for most of my life I tried to be the best daughter, student, employee, wife, mother, etc. based solely on what others expected. Denying my true self resulted in years of anxiety and depression. All because I thought I wasn’t good enough just the way I am.

If not feeling good enough creates anxiety and depression, then how freeing is it to be yourself without apology? To accept yourself completely, warts and all? I find it to be incredibly freeing.

I am free as I travel this path of self-discovery to treat myself with kindness and acceptance. I’m learning that by acknowledging my limitations I can accomplish more than I ever thought I could. I genuinely like myself most of the time.

The more I like myself, the less I worry about what people think of me. I do what I want, when I want, how I want. If that makes me strange than so be it. I will take that as a compliment.

I love being different and a little strange. I’m learning to bask in my goodness, accept the nasty bits, and tenderly hold the broken pieces. I will cherish all of it!

I hope wherever you are on life’s journey that you treat yourself with gentleness and love. Walk to the beat of your own drum. Dance to your own tune. Sing your own song.

There is no greater gift you can give yourself than to love, accept, and be you just the way you were meant to be.

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Jane Elizabeth is the writer of crazysunshinejane.ca. Mom to 3 grown kids, I enjoy the simple life in a small town with 4 dogs. When I’m not writing about the places my mind wanders to, I’m crafting or searching for ancestors. I never pass up a good book, puzzle or a great cup of coffee.  My philosophical mind contemplates social issues and how we can make the world a better place.