Yep. It’s true— at times, a hard pill to swallow.

Not everyone will like you. Not everyone will support you. Not everyone will applaud you.

Nope. It won’t happen.

And it is perfectly okay.

You cannot make people like you.

Be kind and courteous. Yet do not be afraid to stand up for yourself. Be true to you.

Always strive to be supportive of others and applaud them, but remember the courtesy may not be returned in favor.

This can be hurtful.

Stain your pride.

Make you second guess yourself. Second guess your hard work. SECOND GUESS YOUR GENUINE SELF.

And if you allow it, it can destroy you.

The sunny side of this dilemma is this— YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LIKE YOURSELF.

You can choose to place one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.

You can choose not to harbor ill will, anger, disappointment and hurt feelings.

YOU CAN CHOOSE TO FORGIVE.

YOU CAN CHOOSE LOVE OF SELF, LIFE AND OTHERS (whether they love you or not).

But remember, not everyone is YOU.

If you are out there giving it your all—but struggling with this dilemma, I encourage you to say these words to yourself EVERYDAY.

I AM UNIQUE.

I AM WORTHY.

I LIKE ME.

I AM PROUD OF MY EFFORTS.

I CHOOSE TO LOVE OTHERS.

Now quit worrying about those who aren’t worrying over you— and get out there and keep being awesome.

– Alison Paul Klakowicz

Host and Creator of Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog

Author of the Award-Winning Children’s Picture Book Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178

http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com

Alison Paul Klakowicz is an Eastern North Carolina native, children’s book author, blogger, podcaster and creative writer. She is a military spouse who resides in Fayetteville, NC with her husband, Adam, and son, Mak.