Stripped!

Got your attention didn’t I? Ok, so maybe I listened to a little too much Christina Aguilera on my drive home from Michigan to Florida.

I found the topic of this album very interesting. In an interview , at the ripe ol’ age of 22, Aguilera explains that this album is about coming in to her own and being unafraid to let the world see who she is.

Sometimes we are pressured to think, act, feel and like the same things as family, friends and co-workers. It can sneak up on you; you don’t even realize that you dislike something because you’ve always done it that way and frankly you don’t want to disappoint anyone.

So what does it mean to come in to your own? According to McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., “to become independent; to be recognized as independent and capable, usually after much effort or time.”

So, how do you get started on trying to find out who you are and what you like or dislike? It begins with transparency. Be honest with yourself and think about what you really like and don’t like.

Take a stand; be You, everywhere (e.g., home, work, with significant other, by yourself, school and etc.). It’s ok; some people will like you and some won’t. It doesn’t matter as long as you are being true to yourself.

Come in to your own hints:

• Love who you are
• Take a good look in the mirror and tell yourself that you’re smart and beautiful. This may sound a little crazy, but you need to tell yourself positive things rather than picking out all the negative things about yourself. Which leads me too…

• Don’t talk smack about yourself
• We seem to always pick out the worst in ourselves and tell the world about it. There is no reason to continue doing this. Respect yourself and realize that you mess up. When you do, learn from it and move on. Don’t beat yourself up.

• Take care of yourself
• Exercise and eat healthy, in moderation. You don’t need to go crazy. This is good practice for your physical body and your mental health.

• Enjoy a hobby or two
• It’s ok, even if you’re raising a family, to take up a hobby. You need to do this for you.  If you don’t have a hobby, find one.  It’s important to do something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as reading a book, riding your bike, cooking or praying.

• Choose your friends wisely
• Make sure your friends are positive and encouraging. Separate yourself from the “depleters” of the world. These people drain every ounce of energy from you. You don’t need that. You need people who are honest with you and who can challenge you and not pull you down. 

It takes time, sometimes a lifetime, to come in to your own. Practice confidence and loving yourself. You can do this; take one step at a time.