If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be this, have courage to shine brightly! You see, I knew that I was special. Please know, I am not saying this in an egotistical way. I knew in my heart that I had a special mission on earth and I still believe that today. My problem was I was afraid of what others thought of me constantly. This lead me to make decisions not for myself but for others. In time, my light within was slowing dwindling. I was loosing passion and zest for life. I was doing damage to myself for not being authentic to who I am.
I LOVE this quote by Marianne Williamson “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” I realize that by me acting small, I wasn’t doing anyone any favors, especially myself. God wants us to shine bright and don’t let that little voice in your head tell you otherwise! You got that straight!?! LOL! Now, let me share with you 3 reasons why you should shine bright like a diamond:
1. Self Love Is The Best Love
My younger self was striving to be unselfish to my family and friends. I am grateful that God has given me a kind heart. I am constantly working at being more kind, patient, and compassionate (and my three kids sure help me get a lot of practice with this)!
However, being a softie often meant I was taken advantage of and disrespected by others. It was because I didn’t understand how critical it was to love yourself first. It is not selfish to focus on your own goals and desires. It is important to put your needs first so you have the ability to give to others fully.
2. SPEAK YOUR TRUTH
If you were to put me in a debate team, I would lose arguments left and right and create some unhappy team members! I just don’t have an argumentative bone and hate confrontation. I can’t help it, I am recovering people pleaser. I love to make people happy! There is another side to this coin. Over time, I realized that if I didn’t communicate my thoughts, wishes, and desires I would become resentful of the situation, others and me.
I hate feeling this way! I am still learning to fully speak from the heart. I guess I am secretly scared of rejection. However, each time I use my voice authentically and stand for something I believe in, my soul becomes stronger. I believe we must speak our truth and stay true to it.
3. BE EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE
God created you just the way you are. You do not have to prove yourself to anyone. You are enough. All you need to do is BE YOURSELF. Since, blogging two years ago, this journey has really taught me that. You are deserving and full of light. Have the courage to be exactly who you are. Wherever you are in life is exactly where you need to be right now. Isn’t that beautiful? Be unapologetically you!
Never doubt yourself….as poetically told by Rihanna “Shine bright like a diamond!”
Dress: c/o Windsor
Clutch: c/o A’GACI, old | similar here
Earrings: Nordstrom Rack, unavailable | similar here
Shoes: Sam Edelman, old | similar here
Lipstick: Buxom
Photography: Bleudogfotography
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A great post and a fantastic dress for a superb outfit!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/mondorf-les-bains/
Love these tips! Plus,that dress looks amazing on you.
https://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
https://www.fashionnotfear.com
I love this! Too many times, we let ourselves be dulled by the world. That’s no way to live!
Such great tips! If we could all shine like a diamond, the world would be a better place.
First off, your outfit and look is GORGEOUS! I love that dress! Second, your tips are so great. They’re tips that we should instill in our kids as well.
Oh my goodness that dress is amazing! Love these tips as well as we should always look to shine!
Now I have that song stuck in my head! But the message is spot on – everyone should shine bright!
What a gorgeous dress! I wish I could pull it off it’s simply stunning! Wonderful tips! I don’t shine nearly enough!
Such words of wisdom. You have to be true to yourself. I too am a people pleaser and I do need to let my voice be heard more.
You obviously have found confidence and have the style with that great dress. It is great that you are shining and being true to yourself.
All good points. It took me over 20 years to learn to like myself. I wish I’d known how important it was to like myself when I was younger.
Great positive points for everyone. Great outfit.
Great points to live by. That color green is lovely on you.
I love that dress! I agree with all of this. Staying true to who you are and speaking your truth is so important.
This is such a good reminder to people. I definitely need to be better about being who I am. Gorgeous photos by the way!
I am a recovering people pleaser too. I’m a work in progress, but at least I’m moving in the right direction towards better self care. I really loved this article today!
This is such a good reminder to people. I definitely need to be better about being who I am. Gorgeous photos by the way!
What a great post, thank you! And that dress is AMAZING on you!
These are really great points and awesome tips! Such a great reminder!
I really love this post! Such a great reminder for everyone!
You look beyond stunning! And I couldn’t love this post anymore!
Love this empowering post – from words to dress, its the attitude and mindset that shines through as you. Thanks for the reminder today – you shine brightly!
Gorgeous dress, powerful words! Thanks for this inspiring read today. I haven’t been loving myself lately and I owe that much to me. I better make myself a priority!
What a great reminder! I have been doing better on loving myself and learned not to be too overly nice to the point where people tend to take advantage of me. I am learning to stop being a people pleaser because it really doesn’t do you any good. Thank you for these tips and you look stunning in this dress especially the colour is striking❤️ xo
Be Yourself. That has been my mantra for the longest time. I have been in trouble for being myself and for speaking up for what I believe in, but I don’t care. I’d just say, “WYSIWYG” (What You See Is What You Get).
Such a beautiful and positive message to send out to your readers especially the young ladies out there! I think it’s really nice that you put self love as number one. That’s really important. Because if you don’t love yourself, that will reflect on how people treat you.
you are definitely shining girl. What a beautiful dress and great reminders we can shine way past NYE!