You are important, you are worthy, you are magical, you are amazing. You have many incredible gifts within you, even if you think you don’t. Most importantly, what makes you different makes you beautiful and unique. Unfortunately, many people compare themselves to others and some strive to be more like their idols rather than themselves. I am guilty of this myself. For many years I wasn’t accepting myself for who I was and was afraid of my truth. I thought my truth was not good enough for this world. But not good enough for whom and not good enough for who’s standard? Luckily, I realised, this was not a way to go about life. I made the decision to embrace all that is me, my differences and bring you along with me on this journey by sharing my truth, and the raw, flawed and imperfect Jana I love so much.
Your individuality is your greatest asset
There has never been anybody like you and there is never going to be. Embrace that and be who you came here to be. I often remind this to myself when I’m creating something. When you are an artist or a creative and trying to be put something original in the world, people may say: ‘It has already been done.’ The truth is, yes, lots of ideas are out there already, but the way YOU create it and the way YOU say it makes it unique. It hasn’t been done by YOU yet, with a touch of your unique perspective.
They laugh at me because I’m different…
There is a famous quote by Kurt Cobain: “They laugh at me because I’m different. I laugh at them because they are all the same.” Well, you don’t have to laugh at anyone and I suggest you don’t. Unfortunately, many of us strive to be like others, copy others, compare themselves to the celebrities on the TV or someone on social media? Again, be you, that’s where your power lies.
The only validation you need is the one from yourself
Since the young age, we got used to waiting for and expecting other’s praise or approval. Getting validation when getting good marks at school or when we’ve done something right kept our egos satisfied. Even though it feels good temporarily, you should really praise yourself and celebrate YOU without waiting for someone else telling you how well you have done. Don’t seek validation from the outside world. Get it from yourself and get it whenever you want.