“He used to hide his true self because he feared people wouldn’t like him, or would judge him for being too much this and not enough that. He found himself acting like everyone else, even though his heart wanted to express itself in ways that felt different than much of what he was seeing in the world. His heart grew louder, and he longed to taste a different kind of freedom, one his mind had worked hard to contain in order to keep him feeling safe. But that safety came with a price: his authenticity. Then it occurred to him, some people would judge him no matter who he was or what he did. And that if he was going to be judged anyway, he may as well live his life as authentically as possible and at least be judged for his truth. He also knew some people would love him no matter who he was or what he did, and how much better it would feel to be loved for being real.”

“He used to hide his true self because he feared people wouldn’t like him, or would judge him for being too much this and not enough that. He found himself acting like everyone else, even though his heart wanted to express itself in ways that felt different than much of what he was seeing in the world. His heart grew louder, and he longed to taste a different kind of freedom, one his mind had worked hard to contain in order to keep him feeling safe. But that safety came with a price: his authenticity. Then it occurred to him, some people would judge him no matter who he was or what he did. And that if he was going to be judged anyway, he may as well live his life as authentically as possible and at least be judged for his truth. He also knew some people would love him no matter who he was or what he did, and how much better it would feel to be loved for being real.”

“Let’s quit trying so hard to be some version of a normal we’ve never really been.”

“The fact that you don’t realize how wonderful you are only makes you more wonderful.”

“Let them judge you.Let them misunderstand you.Let them gossip about you.Their opinions aren’t your problem.You stay kind, committed to love, and free in your authenticity.No matter what they do or say,don’t you dare doubt your worthor the beauty of your truth.Just keep on shining like you do.”

“So much possibility lives within the beauty of your authenticity. Be real.”

“We can disagree with one another without being raging, judgmental, spiteful, self-righteous lunatics. Can’t we?”

“After so many years struggling to keep up with you, I finally realized we’re not even running the same race.”

“less apathy,more empathy.”

“In acceptance, I am grounded. In vulnerability, I am strong. In love, I am whole.”

“I won’t stop until I can look at myself in the mirror in love with the person I see.”

“I can’t apologize for who I am any more. Even better, I have no desire to.”