The Most Valuable Life Advice: Embrace Your Authentic Self
Growing up, I was often told the value of investing early and building a solid foundation in one's career. These pieces of advice shaped my journey and helped navigate the early challenges in life. However, the most impactful advice I ever received was a simple yet profound statement: 'Be yourself.' This piece of advice has had a significant impact on my personal and professional life, helping me find my true purpose and happiness.
The Early Years: Investing and Career Foundation
From a young age, I was advised to invest early, particularly by buying a house without using loans, as it would ensure financial stability in the long run. This made sense, and I heeded the advice. Nonetheless, my youth was sprinkled with some partying, and the catch-up period was eventually enjoyable. The financial advice was sound, and while it took a few tough years initially, the mortgage ultimately made life easier, and I have appreciated the stability it brings.
Another piece of advice that was often given was to get an education and work to your strengths. While I was caught up in the idea of being popular and tried to emulate the behavior of more popular girls, the advice to focus on my strengths eventually dawned on me. Finding the right job and realizing my talents paid off. These early pieces of advice were crucial in laying the foundation for my future success.
Embracing Authenticity: The True Impact
Looking back, the advice that truly transformed my life and brought the most joy was to 'be yourself.' As a teenager, I was deeply influenced by the presence of more popular peers and tried to fit in by dressing and acting like them. This approach, however, was unsuccessful and only added to my shyness. My parents and grandparents would often remind me to be true to myself, and while this advice didn't resonate at the time, it became incredibly meaningful years later.
Later in life, after a life-transforming moment involving my relationship with God, I finally understood the true value of being authentic. Through reading the Bible and applying its teachings, I realized that God created me uniquely, with specific talents and gifts. Embracing these qualities has helped me shine in my own right and find genuine happiness and satisfaction.
Looking back, I wish I had listened to the advice to be myself earlier in life. It took until my fifties to fully internalize this concept, but it brought me immense joy and peace. If I could go back in time, I would have focused more on my unique qualities and talents, rather than trying to mimic others. It is a lesson that every person can derive benefit from, regardless of their age or stage in life.
Today, I am thankful for the advice to be myself and the lessons I have learned along the way. Embracing your authentic self can bring about the greatest personal growth and fulfillment, making your journey more meaningful and rewarding. So, I encourage everyone to listen to this valuable life advice, and be true to who they are.
Blessings!