Accept No One's Definition of you, Define Yourself.

              Love Me or Hate Me.. Either way I will live my life according to my standards
                  and my dreams.. I accept no one's definition of me, because it is only I that
                  can define myself. Live Out Loud, Live in Peace and always stay true.
                                        Doesn't matter what the world thinks..
                                                Are you proud of who you are?
                                                                                                             ~JVM

Part of Random Thoughts N' Lotsa Coffee is a page on Facebook, in all probability its where you found this blog and website. I have to say that when I started this back in September, I had no idea where it was going to go, I just knew I had to do it. I am so amazed at the response, the new friends and comments that I have received. It is not only a source of inspiration hearing from everyone on the Facebook page, there is also some many lessons each of you are teaching me. I am learning so much from so many different types of people. I am seeing the struggles, the pain and the triumphs that hundreds of strangers are going through. How they are dealing and how they are celebrating. If I have touched even one, that makes this all worth while. I know that they have all touched me.

I notice with my posts on the Facebook page, which ones that seem to garner the most attention. The above quote I wrote received so many comments, likes and shares, it made me think. It showed me that, while we all try not to care what the world thinks of us, we often find that with most, myself included, that this sometimes can be a daily battle.  I have noticed though, the older I get, the easier it has become. Do I want people to like me? Of course, do I base my value on another's perceptions, Ohh Hellll No! Have I in the past, yeah a few times. And it made me feel worse in the long run.  I have come to the realization as I slide through my 30's, there really is only one person I have to worry about, and that is me. I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror, I have to value my judgements, decisions, weaknesses and strengths. It is only I that can determine my worth. People can misjudge me, form opinions and either like or dislike me. I can respect that, but what I won't do is change myself to please another person. I am who I am. As you are who you are.  I am mouthy, sarcastic, tough, honest and kind. I can be a bitch, or a saint. I can be so many different things and as long as I stay authentic to my values and morals, then I will continue to live out loud.

Are you proud of yourself? If not, then why the hell not? What do you need to do, to get to be the person you are proud of? Each and everyone of us is capable. Its not based on beauty, money or status.. It is based on you and alone.  Forget the world for a moment, forget what anyone wants. Listen to that little voice in the back of your head... what is it telling you? Now is the time to start listening to that voice. Cause that voice is the only opinion you ever need to worry about.

Accept no one's definition of you. Define yourself.