I Will NEVER Apologize For Who I Am —​ And Neither Should You

I had an epiphany this morning. Throughout my entire life, I've been overly-concerned about what other people think of me. Do they like me? Am I a nice person?  Those are the thoughts that continually flow through my mind. It's overwhelming  to constantly want to be liked and validated by other people.

However, I've reached a point in my life where I'm beginning to feel differently about my happiness and myself in relation to other people.

There have been many occasions in my 34 years on this planet where I've apologized to people for things that aren't my fault.

Yes, there are genuine occasions where someone's feelings get hurt and, of course, that warrants an apology. But what about my feelings? I don't want to forgot those. For years, I've prioritized other people's feelings over my own and honestly? I'm done.

I will apologize for an action I've done that's hurt or angered a person I care about; however, I will not apologize for who I am.

That's a huge distinction.

You can be remorseful for hurting someone's feelings, but you don't have to take it personally or infer there's something wrong with you (or your character) because another person is offended by your words or actions.

We all offend each other. It's part of being human. But let's celebrate the fact that we're all different, we're all unique. 

Are you with me?