The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

April 11For Truth's Sake

I appeal from your customs. I must be myself. I cannot break myself any longer for you, or you. If you can love me for what I am, we shall be the happier. If you cannot, I will still seek to deserve that you should. I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, that I will do strongly before the sun and moon whatever inwardly rejoices me, and the heart appoints.

Ralph Waldo Emerson—Self-Reliance (1841)

Asking someone to “love us for what we are” requires one significant act on our part: we must live fully who we are. The desire to have someone accept who you seem to be or, worse, who you've become to gain that acceptance is both a lot of work and somewhat dishonest.

To live fully who you are is the ultimate act of self-love—a prerequisite to self-trust and an evolving requirement in the attempt to gain any measure of self-reliance.

So today, set more boundaries, take better care of yourself, forgive others, pay attention to your thoughts, do what you need rather than what you want. Live fully who you are.

Consider a quote from Louisa May Alcott, for whom the struggle was very real—she was fighting prejudices, hatred, and the blindness of humanity: “Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won.”

What will you bear for truth's sake? Perhaps you're simply trying to bring more joy—start there.

Challenge ...