To Thine Own Self Be True

"This above all: to thine OWN SELF be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou cans't not be false to any man" (Hamlet II.78-80). This is one of William Shakespeare's most famous quotes. It gives advice that will last a lifetime. Shakespeare reminds us that WE are better at being OURSELVES than "trying" to be anyone else. OUR true character flourishes when WE embrace who WE ARE and are comfortable sharing it with the world.  How can WE ever expect someone to love US (romantically or platonic) if we do not first love OURSELVES?  The Bible tells US in Genesis that God created man "in His own image" and "in His own likeness. Each individual was created to look and have the personality that God intended for US to have. When WE are not satisfied with the person that God made US then WE open OURSELVES up for negativity like depression, insecurity,self pity, jealousy, and covetousness to enter into OUR minds. WE should be proud of the person that WE are and be full of self confidence (not arrogance). YOU would be amazed to know how many people love the person that YOU ARE. If YOU'VE noticed that many companies have turned to celebrities as spokespeople for their products and services, then YOU'VE realized that the personality closes the sell. The personality of that celebrity influences US to purchase that higher-end brand versus the more economical version of the exact same product. Sticking to the script of who WE ARE also keeps US from making bad decisions. I'm sure that all of US have done things that were "out of OUR character," and I'll be the first to admit it. I tend to let peer pressure get the best of ME at times and end up making choices, against MY better judgement, that come back to bite ME in the butt later on. In other occasions I'VE followed the path of others instead of daring to be different and have missed certain blessings that we intended for ME because I was not true to mine OWN SELF. So I challenge everyone plan out some ME time. Take an hour a day to isolate YOURSELF without any distractions (phone, computer, television, people, etc) and meditate. Take the time escape YOUR life for a few moments. "Slow down so you can catch up with YOURSELF."