B.Løvetann

We are constantly growing and changing—if we allow ourselves to.
That’s simply part of being human.
And honestly, it isn’t always easy. But at the same time, it can be incredibly beautiful. Maybe that’s exactly because it isn’t always easy. There is something beautiful about both the highs and the lows, even if that sounds a little strange.
Sometimes I wonder whether we can truly change.
Can we change the way we behave?
The way we think?
The way we react?
Or are some parts of us buried so deeply that changing them is almost impossible?
And how do some people manage to do exactly that?
Does it take an enormous amount of work? Or does it happen more naturally through life and experience?
I think the answer is a little bit of both.
Some changes require hard work and conscious choices. Others happen so gradually that we barely notice them. We grow, we learn, we gain new experiences, and one day we realize we no longer react the way we once did.
But I believe one thing is necessary, no matter what:
Self-awareness.
And self-awareness isn’t always comfortable.
Because the way we see ourselves isn’t necessarily the way others see us.
Some people may find us exhausting.
Others think we’re funny.
Some believe we’re too kind.
Others see us as warm and comforting to be around.
At the very same time, we might walk around thinking we’re actually pretty awesome people.
Isn’t that fascinating?
That there are so many different versions of us, depending on who’s looking?
Which leads me to another question:
Why do we care so much about how other people see us?
Why do we want so badly to be liked?
Why do we want people to be impressed by us, understand us, or find us interesting?
I think it’s completely human.
But I also think we need to be careful.
Because if we spend our lives trying to become the person everyone else wants us to be, we risk losing ourselves along the way.
I think it’s healthy to simply be yourself—with all your quirks, your little odd habits, and every flaw that comes with them.
The goal isn’t to be perfect.
The goal is to become someone you can genuinely respect when you look in the mirror.
And if you’re not happy with who you are, maybe you need to ask yourself one simple question:
Do I want to be this person?
But that isn’t easy.
In fact, it’s incredibly difficult.
When I try to see myself through someone else’s eyes, I often see a woman who talks loudly, laughs loudly, and points with her hands while telling stories.
I see someone who takes up space.
For a long time, that’s something I’ve wanted to change.
But the truth is…
I can’t.
Because whenever I try to make myself smaller—to speak less, laugh less, or take up less space—I also feel like I’m losing a part of who I am.
That doesn’t mean I can’t grow.
I don’t have to be the class clown all the time.
I can learn to take up space in different ways.
Sometimes it’s insecurity.
Other times it’s simply because I’m happy, full of energy, and in a mood that naturally fills a room.
And you know what?
That’s perfectly okay.
Because I am who I am.
Most of the time, I’m pretty funny.
Sometimes I’m a little ridiculous.
But that’s okay too.
Because this is the conclusion I’ve come to:
I don’t need people in my life who expect me to become someone else just so I’ll fit in.
I’m energetic.
I’m happy.
Some days I’m a bit much.
Other days I’m quieter.
But I’m me.
And the people who don’t like me are free to find someone they like better.