The Me I Want to Be

Do you wish everyone liked you? We are all born with an innate desire to not only be loved, but liked. Some personalities don’t seem to care if everyone likes them as long as the people important to them do. On the other hand, people with a personality similar to mine strongly desire for everyone to like them. It’s always been difficult for me when I feel as though someone doesn’t like me. I learned a few years ago that around 10 percent of people won’t like you no matter what you say or do. That was so freeing. I have to admit that it still bothers me a little when someone doesn’t like me, but not near as bad as it used to.

God created every person uniquely. No two people are exactly the same. The quicker we learn to love and like ourselves the better. When you decide it’s really okay to like yourself it makes it easier for others to like you. There is no real reason to not like yourself. You are made in God’s image. You are His masterpiece. You have a purpose to fulfill and it’s important you discover your purpose and go after it. Choose to be happy with your uniqueness. It’s time to stop focusing on what is wrong with you and focus on what is right. Now that doesn’t give you a license to be rude or mean and use the excuse of “that is just how I am.” Stop putting yourself down. That is a type of pride in itself, it’s not being humble. Neither do you want to brag on yourself to others. That can be a sign of insecurity.

I still have a long way to go, but some things that have helped me to start becoming the me I want to be are as follows:

First and foremost, recognizing that I am who God says I am. Second, focusing on God and others. Third, taking care of me. I take care of me by trying to get plenty of rest, eating healthy (most of the time), drinking lots of water, exercising, and taking time for fun and relaxation.

Joyce Meyer said in her book, Closer to God Each Day: 365 Devotions for Everyday Living, January 19th, “Whatever you are rooted in will determine the fruit in your life–good or bad. If you are rooted in rejection, abuse, shame, guilt, or a poor self-image–if you are rooted in thinking, something is wrong with me, your ‘tree’ will bear depression, negativism, a lack of confidence, anger…and self pity.” She said, “If you are rooted in Jesus and in His love, then you can relax and know you are loved and valuable.”

My greatest desire is to get to the end of my life and not look back with a lot of regrets. When I die, I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want my life to bring joy to others. I want to be a ray of sunshine on somebody’s cloudy day. I want to add value to people. Most of all I want to have lived a life that helped draw others to true love and acceptance in Christ.

If you are struggling in being you, talk to God about it. If you don’t have a relationship with God, but you are interested in having one, please feel free to email me at thegingeroptimist@gmail.com.