"Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming Me"
Looking back at my life, I can’t help but smile at the things I once believed about myself. Over time, I've learned lessons, faced challenges, and discovered parts of me I never knew existed. If only someone had told me all of this before I became me — it would have saved me some headaches, heartaches, and maybe even a few lost years.
But then again, I wouldn't change a thing, because those struggles led me to exactly where I am today. So, here are the things I wish I knew before I became who I am.
1. Not Everyone Will Get You, and That’s Okay.
For so long, I tried to fit into other people’s expectations of who I should be. I changed myself, molded my personality, and even adjusted my opinions just to get validation from others. I thought if everyone liked me, everything would be fine.
The truth? Not everyone is meant to understand you. People have their own perspectives, biases, and experiences. And that’s okay. I learned that I don’t need to explain myself to anyone. The right people will see me for who I am, not who I pretend to be. And those who don’t? It’s their loss.
2. Your Voice Matters, Even When You’re Quiet.
As someone who isn’t always the loudest person in the room, I used to feel invisible. I thought being quiet meant I wasn’t being heard or that I wasn’t contributing enough. I often felt like I had to raise my voice to matter, to make a difference. But as I grew, I realized something important: silence doesn’t equate to insignificance.
Some of the most powerful voices in the world are the ones that speak softly but with purpose. You don’t need to shout to be heard. Sometimes, the quietest thoughts are the most profound.
3. Failure Isn’t the End, It’s the Beginning.
Oh, how I feared failure! It felt like the end of the world every time I fell short or messed up. I saw failure as something shameful, something to avoid at all costs. But over time, I realized that failure is an essential part of growth. It’s not something to fear, but something to embrace.
Every failure taught me something valuable — about my strengths, my weaknesses, and what truly matters. Failing doesn’t make you a failure; it makes you someone who’s learning and evolving. The real failure is not trying at all.
4. Perfection Is a Myth, and So Is the “Perfect Time.”
I spent so many years waiting for the “perfect time” to start something. Whether it was a project, a change in my life, or just taking a risk, I always thought I needed everything to fall perfectly into place first. But guess what? The “perfect time” never comes.
Perfection doesn’t exist. We often get so caught up in waiting for everything to be just right that we miss out on the opportunities in front of us. I learned to stop waiting for the stars to align and to just take the leap. You’ll never know unless you try, and sometimes the imperfect attempts lead to the best results.
5. It’s Okay to Outgrow People.
This one was tough. I used to hold on to relationships, friendships, and connections because I didn’t want to let go. But over the years, I’ve learned that sometimes, you outgrow people. It’s not their fault, and it’s not yours either. It’s just a part of life.
We evolve, we change, and we learn new things about ourselves. And sometimes, those changes mean that the people around us no longer align with who we’re becoming. It’s hard to let go, but it’s necessary for your growth. Let go with grace, and make room for people who uplift you.
6. Self-Doubt Is Normal, But Don’t Let It Define You.
I’ve always struggled with self-doubt. It’s that nagging voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “What if they don’t like what you’re doing?” It’s easy to listen to that voice and let it control your decisions, but I’ve learned that it’s just noise.
Self-doubt doesn’t disappear, but it’s possible to not let it define your actions. The key is to push through it, even when you’re not 100% sure of yourself. Confidence comes from experience, not perfection. And the more you keep moving forward despite the doubt, the quieter that voice becomes.
7. You Are Your Own Best Friend.
In the quest for love and friendship, I often neglected my relationship with myself. I spent so much time trying to please others, seeking validation from external sources, and waiting for someone to make me feel complete. But the truth is, no one can complete you. Only you have the power to do that.
Self-love isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practice. I’ve learned that I am my own best friend. When things go wrong, I pick myself up. When I need advice, I turn to my own wisdom. When I’m lost, I trust my own compass. It’s not about being perfect or having it all figured out — it’s about trusting yourself through it all.
8. It’s Okay to Say No.
For years, I struggled with saying “no.” I thought I had to please everyone, be everywhere, and do everything. But trying to be everything for everyone left me burnt out and drained. I realized that saying no doesn’t make me selfish or unkind — it makes me protective of my energy.
You don’t have to say yes to every request, every invitation, or every responsibility. It’s okay to prioritize yourself. Your time, energy, and peace of mind are just as important as the things you’re being asked to do.
9. Not Everyone Will Support You, and That’s Fine.
When you start something new, especially something personal like a blog or a business, you expect people to cheer you on. But not everyone will. Some will doubt you, some will criticize you, and some will even question why you’re doing it. I used to get upset by this, but now I’ve learned that not everyone is meant to support your vision.
Some people won’t understand your journey, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that you believe in yourself. Keep going, and the right supporters will find you along the way.
10. You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out Right Now.
I used to think I had to have everything planned, every step mapped out. I thought I had to know exactly what I was doing with my life at every moment. But the truth is, life doesn’t work that way.
It’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s okay to take your time, explore different paths, and change your mind along the way. Growth is a journey, not a destination. So take it one day at a time, and don’t be so hard on yourself.
So, here’s the truth. I wish I had known all of this before becoming me. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade any of the lessons I’ve learned for anything. Each experience, each mistake, each step has led me to where I am today — and I’m proud of that.
I’m still becoming, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
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