You Should Only Compare Yourself To This

A life lesson in self reflection and courage

“Only the self-sufficient stand alone — most people follow the crowd and imitate.” — Bruce Lee

In a previous article, I mentioned how as a youngster, I compared myself to others. However, today I stand as a woman who seeks to challenge the one person on this planet who can make me or break me —

Me.

We each have different versions of ourselves, I think. There is the version we present to the world and the one we hold dear, deep inside. Yes, this goes for those who seem to have it all and are confident. They may appear to be powerful, but even they have dreams of an alternate self. Maybe a more peaceful, quieter self? They may not have wanted a lifestyle of the limelight…

My greatest challenge has been myself. There are still a few things to accomplish. Goals I’ve set out to sharpen and shape me into that person I dreamed of years back. The one that holds me back, is me though — extreme introversion, lack of self-confidence, and wanting to block out the world is the dark self. A self that constantly overshadows what I am trying to do.

I can’t blame no one for this, but myself. This other Erica wants to burst free…