Deeply-rooted, enduring confidence comes from the power of personal acceptance. The deeper your awareness of your inner self, your wounds, strengths, & weaknesses, the more capable you'll be of weathering life's storms with authenticity, optimism, and faith.

True nearness to God should result in having a personality that feels like an open door where anyone is welcome to enter. If you ever come across as intolerant, arrogant, condescending, cold, or judgmental, you're failing to live up to the most basic essence of faith.

No matter how cynical and jaded the modern world might be, don't give in to the pressure to suppress the joy that innately lives inside of you- water it and let it bloom. The happiness you cultivate within will radiate to and nourish everyone around you.

If you speak from the heart, without letting fear or hesitation mince your words, the things you say will always resonate with a heart that has the capacity to understand them. No matter who you're talking to or how nervous you feel, never shy away from being genuine and honest.

If you feel like your thoughts and feelings are in disarray and you can't contain or make sense of them, it might be an indication that you aren't living authentically and your ego or fears have taken the wheel. Everything feels calm, clear, and tranquil when your soul is in charge.

True strength is about the authenticity that lies beneath the veneer; it's about bridging the gap between who you truly are and who you wish to be seen as.

Your path might seem strange to the outside world, but you're the one who has to walk it, so build, speak, and live accordingly.

The quality of your life will always be a reflection of the energy you give off, so make it a priority to keep your energy positive and healthy by consistently nurturing your spirit with sources of joy. Smile at people who may not smile back, be warm to those who might respond with coldness, and surround yourself with good-hearted people. Don't stress about how people respond to your energy- let your energy simply remain an authentic reflection of your highest self.

There's a point at which a comfort zone can become a prison, because comfort zones inhibit growth. It doesn't happen overnight, but once it does, it becomes difficult to envision life outside of it. Comfort zones are wonderful as a place of rest, but they're meant to be a launching pad, not a home.

The key to cultivating bravery lies in going out of your way to do things that make you uncomfortable and not giving yourself a chance to overthink or regret them. Even if a risk or new idea doesn't pan out the way you'd hoped, it's always worth it if it makes you step outside of your comfort zone.

Over and over, as often as you can, rekindle your friendship with God and stoke the fire of your love for Him. Never stop remembering Him, especially when the words don't come easy.

Never oversimplify or dilute yourself for the sake of feeling normal. Uniqueness is a rare and valuable gift, not a curse. Anyone who makes you feel ashamed of your quirks and complexities doesn't deserve a seat at your table. Don't begrudge or fault them for it, let them go and sincerely wish them well.

x r