If you don't have to do it, and it isn't fun, then why are you doing it? It's like sometimes people forget their choices. They fail to see themselves. They get so riled up over something that they are supposedly doing for entertainment or pleasure that it's causing them great discontent and stress. Sometimes, when confronted they attest that they enjoy it, but it is clear this is untrue. If something unbalances you, brings you into unrest and anxiety this will affect your well being. Stress has a negative impact on our health. Do things because you either must or because you want to. If you can combine those two, that's the best scenario. Stay away from that which you abhor. It doesn't matter if there is a societal expectation, or it's a cultural norm. If people can't respect your individuality, then they don't respect you. Be innovative and creative in finding your own path and your own answers. Always listen to your heart. If your heart screams no: listen. Don't betray your heart. Be true to who you are. In other words: be yourself. Celebrate yourself. Do more of the things you love. Seize the day!

You don't need to paint a perfect picture of yourself or your life for anybody. Just be real. If people can't accept you for the person you are, then perhaps you should not be in each other's lives. The only person whose approval you need to seek, is your own. Accept yourself as you are. If it helps, accept yourself as a work in progress. Don't allow people to put you down, degrade you or gossip about you. Set boundaries with people. You don't need many friends, you just need the right ones. Real people know that no one is perfect. They have let go of the pretense and expectation. The best friends are the ones who bring out the best in you and you in them. Be around people you enjoy spending time with. Be around people who inspire you.

Fearlessly be yourself. Just be. Don't stop and worry about the judgements of others. Worry about what you believe is right and how.

Live as you. It may seem simple and obvious. Yet, is it? How many times a day are we changing how we act or react to accommodate others? How often do we hide who we are? How many times do we try to fit in, conform or not ruffle anyone's feathers? How many times are we aiming to please or appease others? Every time we change our behavior we are not living in our truth. We are not living life as ourselves. Whose life are we living then? Not our own. Time continues to pass by. No one is promised tomorrow. Would you rather people have a relationship with the real you, or a fake you which you present to the world? If the relationship is with a face that you're wearing, then it is not your relationship. Quit hanging on to this idea that there is any expectation to be perfect. Do you expect others to be perfect? I'm guessing not. Neither are any others expecting perfection from you. It is time to accept ourselves as we are. It is time to practice self-forgiveness. We need to cut ourselves some slack. People make mistakes, it is normal. Making mistakes does not make you an unacceptable human being. It makes you human. Let go of your fear. Just be yourself, as you are. My bet is that people will appreciate you much more in your honesty, in your true form, as you are, than when you are suffocating yourself beneath pretense. It will be much easier to find like-minded people when they are able to find you. Live as you.

Be still and present in the moment. Don't worry or stress. Don't think about the future or the past. Don't think about the what ifs. Be where you are.

If you want something make it a priority. If you can't make it a priority, then it isn't something you want. You will feel compelled to invest yourself and your energy into something you want. If that is not happening, it is safe to say your heart isn't really into it. Be easy on yourself. Be patient. You'll find what sparks you. You'll find your inspiration. You'll find your path. Remember, you must let go of your expectations first. Follow your heart and trust your soul.