Hell yeah! Being yourself is the only way to go. And ya kinda don’t have much choice as everyone else is already taken, right? So how do you go about the business of actually enjoying who you are? Many people don’t, sad to say. Here are some pointers from one who has struggled greatly with truly enjoying and appreciating who she is, both inside and out.

#1 Live and breathe by this quote: “Your opinion of me is none of my business.” Somewhere in your life, there most likely lurks someone who has a turdish opinion of you in some way. Your mom, an art reviewer who has seen the fruits of your creative labors, a holier-than-thou co-worker…….whoever. I don’t have folks in my personal life like this, but I certainly encounter them in my work as a psychic medium. People who consider me a Madame Cleo wanna be. Whatever. Their snide comments and looks don’t in any way negate my value as a person, or as a professional. It is simply their fear rising to the surface, and it is their problem.

#2 Realize that when you love and appreciate yourself, it is much easier to love and appreciate others. Grooving on yourself draws others into your life who groove on you too. And vice versa…..your life begins to resemble your own private Woodstock like love fest, minus the drugs and nudity.

#3 Everyone has something about their personality they don’t appreciate unless they have a raging case of narcissistic personality disorder. Choose to see your “distasteful” personality trait as a benefit–how can it serve you or others? If it can’t, how can you begin to minimize any damage from it and transform it into a source of joy?

#4 As for enjoying your physical appearance, kindness matters for this one in particular. Women receive myriad messages daily about how they should look, what they should wear, what their bra size should be, minimize your thighs with this miracle cream…..ad. freaking.nauseum. And the fun REALLY begins as we age…..our local magazine geared toward women 40 and up is packed with page after page of plastic surgeons vying for their $$$$. Ridiculous. I quit reading Vogue because I don’t give a flying rat’s ass about the latest laser procedure which will eliminate every wrinkle on my face. Bite my fanny, Vogue! I have had a blast getting these wrinkles. Make the firm decision that you WILL find beauty in the mirror each and every day, in some way, shape or form.

These pointers have helped me to cherish myself, both inside and out. What has helped you?