Be Gentle With Yourself

Relying on others is necessary in life, but you shouldn't be so emotionally dependant that you give up on what you want out of fear of rejection, abandonment and confrontation. I did this and it limited my freedom to be me. I believed that others knew better and that to gain some one's love I had to give up on who I really was. Certainly there will always be people who do know better at some things, but you shouldn't put someone else's judgement in place of your own.

Pursue your dreams passionately. Others expectations on my dreams tied stones around my soul. I lowered my expectations. To live a joyous and adventurous life I had to relinquish those expectations.

My feelings were misunderstood, criticized, teased or judged and this made me afraid to share myself with others. I isolated myself. I thought I needed to change to fit every situation or person. I never felt like I measured up. I was listening to the inner voices that reminded me of all my faults. I finally accepted myself just the way I was. I tried to be understanding of the judgemental, perfectionist in me. I gave myself time to step out, explore and risk. I became loving and honest with myself.  

Stretching boundaries broadened my horizons. It was scary, but risk can be a good thing as long as it is reasonable and responsible. Having courage is the ability to do what needs to be done in spite of fear. Life is scary sometimes, but living in fear without action, just gives others your power.