The other day when sharing this photo on my Instagram, I shared some important #MOLLYSWORDS that have been on my heart:
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. Always stay true to who you are and never compromise for anyone or anything. You deserve to never settle.”
This topic has been on my mind a lot recently. If you read my 26 things I’ve Learned In 26 Years, you are already aware this is something I’ve been learning. My #7 on that list was “Don’t settle”, and #9 was “Be yourself. Always.”.
As I reflect on my life and seek to remain genuine to my personality, I realize that being myself 100% is the greatest feeling ever. So today I am encouraging you to find what you are passionate about and stick to what you know is true to yourself. Read on to discover four #GIRLBOSS ways to authentically be yourself.
1. Get to know yourself.
This may seem obvious, but without knowing who you really are, your passions, your feelings, and the motivations behind your actions, it’s hard to function authentically. Taking time to self-reflect is a vital aspect of getting to know yourself. Listen to your thoughts and be OK with living in the quietness of your own mind. Pay attention to where your thoughts take you and accept that they are a part of you. Distinguish between the truths of who you are and the negativity that can overtake your mind. You have so many things to be proud of!
2. If it doesn’t feel authentic, don’t do it.
When making a difficult decision, I ask myself “Which option is most congruent with my character?”. Answering that simple question leads me to the most fulfilling decision.
I’m currently transitioning into a huge life change and I am scared beyond belief. The thought of doing something different than I’ve been accustomed to is terrifying. I will share more details at a later date, but I will say that this is all in effort to stay true to myself. At the end of the day, doing what fulfills me brings the most joy.
3. Don’t let others dictate the way you live your life.
Some of us are good at this naturally, others are so influenced by others that we begin to lose sight of who we are. Whichever role you play, I encourage you to live your life the way you want to, not because someone else thinks they know what’s best for you. By pursuing what you love and forgetting what others think of it, you will satisfied knowing that you followed your heart.
4. Just have fun.
As young children, we did crazy, fun, spontaneous things without looking over our shoulder for approval or living in fear of what others thought. Finding your inner child and having fun with the silly moments of life will help you embrace the joyful person you used to be and continue to become. Find times in your life to let loose, be silly and dance around! Life is much more fun when filled with lots of SMILES!
I’d love to hear, what helps YOU stay true to who you are?
Keep smiling!
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
Love this post! And that dress is darling!!
-Olivia
Miss Olivia Says
Author
Thank you Olivia! Every girl needs a dress like this!
You are the perfect example of #GIRLBOSS Molly. Loved this post.
As a working mom and blogger I get so lost in playing different roles, that at times it is difficult to stay true to yourself.
I find it so important to take out time for yourself and this post is a great reminder to never compromise!
Love,
Richa | Fancier’s World
Author
Wow, Richa! You are a dear! Thank you for the compliments! I can’t say I know how to be a mom and a blogger at the same time, but I am a teacher and blogger and that’s a lot of work! Stay true to yourself and keep smiling! You got this!
Such good advice!
Author
Thank you! Glad you appreciate it!
I love this so much! I definitely think people try too hard to fit into the girl boss mold but, in reality, it’s those who don’t fit in that succeed! <3
Author
You are SO right! It’s not about fitting in, it’s about standing out and being yourself! That’s what people are drawn to!
Such a great post – I love that dress and bag too!
Author
Thanks Dana! Have a great week ahead!
Such a great post Molly and well written! I think these words are definitely ones we all need to take into consideration and learn! On top of the words, you look incredible as well! That dress is perfection on you!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Author
Thank you Shannon! Your compliments makes me smile! You’re so sweet. Have a great week!
LOVING that dress!!! You are working it!! I actually needed to read all of these. I am going through a lot right now and this post has really made it a little better. Thank you!
Author
Anali, your comment touched my heart. I love to hear that something that is so important to me has even made the smallest impact on someone else. Hang in there girl! You got this! Keep smiling!
Love that dress! You’re stunning!
http://www.kelseymarie.co
Author
Thank you! Every girl needs a dress like this for spring 🙂
You look lovely!
Great tips, authenticity is huge for me!
Author
Thank you! Authenticity is SO key and you are so good at it!
I really needed to read this post today. I’m considering going back to school, switching careers and operating my own business! It’s scary, but its something I want to do, not something others have told me or convinced me to do. By the way I LOVE that dress!!! Gorgeous!
Author
Wow, Christy! I’m so glad I was able to share it! I am in a similar transition period and it is for sure scary! Go with your heart and stick with doing what you LOVE! It will be more than worth it in the end! Keep smiling!
These are great tips! My husband is always reminding me that hoe I react gives power to others, so I am working on not focusing on the unimportant stuff!
Author
Your husband is very wise! Thanks for sharing his wisdom, your efforts, and the compliments! Keep smiling!
Such a beautiful look and beautiful words! I can’t wait to hear about what your big transition is and I know that you will rock at whatever it is put your mind to..because you are true to you! xoxo
Author
Thank you! I’m exciting to talk about it! Thanks for all of your support! 🙂
Love the dress! Great post!
http://www.golden-cor.com
Author
Thank you! White everything is what I’m all about lately! And the crochet detailing is so fun!
Great post Molly! Beautifully written! LOVE it!
You are looking gorgeous in that dress! Have a great day!
Rita – http://www.styleroundtheclock.com
Author
Thanks for reaching Rita! You are such a dear! I hope you were encouraging by it! You are so beautiful inside and out! Keep smiling!
What an inspirational post, Molly! Being true to yourself in a world that is constantly trying to change you requires courage and strength. You definitely embody both 🙂 Loved the dress and love how happy you look! Have a fantastic week.
Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com
Author
Monika! You’re such a sweetheart! You are so right. Being yourself takes courage and strength! You have both as well 🙂 Keep smiling! Have a great week!
Absolutely love your dress
<3 Raven
https://simplesassysultry.com
Author
Thanks so much Ravel! Loving whites lately!
Are you sure you’re only 26? You are so sage, and I love all your adice babe. Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
You are wise beyond your years, Molly! Totally agree with Kait. 🙂
Author
Thanks, Kelsey! People have been saying that to me since I was 8 haha ~ old soul at heart maybe? You are so kind!
Author
Awww, Kait! Yes! How old are you?! Love you!
Fantastic blog post! Great style and words of wisdom. Keep it up!
-Bailey Chauner
http://www.hotdresshotmess.com
Author
Thanks Bailey! You’re so encouraging! Have a great weekend!