Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken

[photo via]

I've written about this quote before. It speaks volumes to me. Everyday, I learn more and more about myself and everyday I learn to show the world more of who I am and less of who I think people want me to be.

It's not always easy.

But it is always necessary.

Last week, I turned down a pretty good (and well paid!) social media campaign because I knew that it wasn't a good fit for this place and space. I knew that there was no way I could put a personal spin on the topic at hand and present it to my beloved readers -- you. I knew that I wouldn't have gotten anything from it (except, maybe a few pairs of shoes and outfits from the payout... I kid, I kid). But, most importantly, I knew that it wouldn't serve this audience in the way that I've set forth to serve this audience.

So I said, "No."

And it felt good.

I've chosen to be myself in this place and space. My single mom, delicious self who works hard, plays hard, and is almost getting it [kind of] together. I share my trials and triumphs because it speaks to people and it helps someone along their own journey. I try to be candid, even if that means being vulnerable and "putting it all out there."

It's not always easy, but at the end of the day, it feels... right.

So today -- and everyday! -- I want to encourage you to be yourself. Share your journey and share your story with others. (Trust me on this: someone somewhere is waiting to hear it.)

You're fabulous. Not to mention, everyone else is already taken.