Knowing Yourself: How to Find Who You Really Are and Be Confident in What You've Got.

Sometimes as life flies by, we can fall into the habit of just standing in it. You've got people in your life that you enjoy. You have things you like to do with the people around you. Yes, you have your favorite things. Things you want to do, need to do and be. You know yourself, right? Well do you really? It's easy to say that but it's important to find out how much of what you do is based on you and not on others. There comes a time where you need some alone time to figure out what you're all about. Yes, people and experiences shape us, but too often I see people who base so much upon others thoughts of them or society's standards. They believe in certain things because they were raised that way, or other people they know tell them it's the right way. Now it's your time to be what you want, no apologies to anyone!

Start a journal. No, diaries aren't just for your angsty teen years. They are a great place to start your own ideas and express yourself. Take some time each day to write how your day was, what you're dreaming of or goals for yourself. I enjoy journaling at the end of my day. There's no better way to express my desires or vent. Write all the things you've always wanted to do in your lifetime. Write your goals for the near future. Write what you're afraid of. Write down all the things your thankful for. Jot down the things that you think make you unique and individual. If this is your first time doing this, it may take some time but you can do it.

Find an activity to do on your own. It doesn't have to be expensive. Find something that would make you happy. Some ideas are a dance or yoga class. You could also just schedule some 'me time' for yourself doing gardening, walking, painting or playing an instrument. Just give yourself something unique to do that you will enjoy once or twice per week.

Daydream. I can't stress how important it is to have time alone to reflect. Some can do this while anywhere and tune out noise. If you need to, you can turn off the TV and go somewhere quiet. Or you can put on your headphones and listen to music. Everyone is different but having time to dream and think about your life is really essential.

Become who you want to be, build yourself up. Don't let other people or things form you. Think about what unique qualities you have. What are your talents? Are there talents you'd like to brush up, or even acquire? You are the star of a novel- the novel of your own life. Who are you? What do you look like? What do you look like when you imagine yourself? Smart? Funny? Adventurous? Create an image for yourself. Perhaps even draw out a picture of how you see yourself. It may sound amusing, and it is! It is a wonderful way to see yourself in your own light.

If you there are things you hate about yourself, change them! Nobody is forcing you to be who you are. No habits you have are your parent's fault. Yes, you might have grown up around certain situations that influenced you to feel a certain way but nobody's forcing you. YOU have a mind, a will and a body that does whatever you want it to. You can decide, 'I want to be ___' and do it. Likewise, you can say, 'I refuse to be___/ do __'. Nothing is holding you back but your own mind. The mind is the most powerful tool. You can convince yourself to do anything. If you have a problem with something about yourself, change it! It is do-able, with effort and persistence. So get motivated, and rid yourself of anything you find ugly on the inside. You are a great person and if you don't believe you are, do what is necessary to become one.

Find what you believe in through your own experiences, research and ideas. Don't believe things just because people say so. Don't allow other's opinions alone shape who you are. Think about what you want. Why do you stand for what you do? Is there good, well thought-out reasons behind it? Take what other people say and think about it. Does it make sense? What do you think about that? Do you think otherwise? Don't be afraid to disagree with someone, or make up your own mind. Stand behind your beliefs and ideas. Your personality, style, orientation or ideas are for you to decide. Be sure you have reasons for everything you believe in or feel. Don't blindly think things are or aren't a certain way 'just because'. There are reasons and causes for everything.

Be ready to be who you are, no apologies and no approval needed from others. Being true to yourself means having the esteem and strength to let people think what they want. Do you want to be a follower or a leader? If you are true to yourself you aren't going to let anyone's opinion change your feelings, unless it is truly justified (i.e., you wronged someone or realize a bad trait you have is hurting others). If people don't like your 'likes' or accept you because you don't enjoy the same things or have the same beliefs -then so long! You don't need anyone in your life to reaffirm who you are. You know who you are. Enjoy who you are. And guess what? When you have that respect and fulfillment being yourself, individually from any other person and standing by that- people will respect that and look up to you.