Alright, let’s have a heart-to-heart. Have you ever felt like you’re constantly explaining yourself, defending who you are, or trying to convince others to see your good intentions? (Been there.) It’s exhausting, right? But here’s the real kicker: being truly understood doesn’t come from defending yourself—it starts with understanding yourself. Mind-blowing, I know, but stick with me here.

Stop Explaining, Start Owning

Look, I get it. When someone misreads your heart or intentions, the urge to jump in and say, “Wait, no, that’s not what I meant!” can be so real. But what if, instead of trying to convince them, you took that energy and turned it inward? The more you dig into who you are—what makes you tick, what lights you up, what truly matters to you—the less you’ll feel the need to explain yourself. Because when you know you’re showing up as the truest, most authentic version of YOU, their misunderstanding doesn’t hold as much weight.

Why People Don’t Always Get You

Okay, hard truth moment: not everyone is going to understand you. And honestly? That’s on them, not you. People interpret things through their own filters, their own stories, and their own baggage. But here’s the good news: when you show up as unapologetically you, the right people will see your heart. And those connections? They’ll feel so much more real and meaningful.

Fall in Love with YOU

Here’s where it all begins: you have to fall in love with yourself first. (Yep, I said it.) Start asking yourself the good questions—the ones that make you pause and really think:

• What do I value most in life?
• What do I bring to the table that’s unique?
• What kind of energy do I want to share with others?

And hey, this isn’t about creating some “perfect” version of yourself to show the world. It’s about getting cozy with the real you—the messy, beautiful, growing, work-in-progress version that’s already so dang worthy.

From Defending to Owning

Here’s a shift I want you to try: next time you feel misunderstood, instead of launching into defense mode, take a breath and ask yourself, “What do I need to understand about myself right now?” When you know who you are and where you’re coming from, your words carry more power, your presence feels grounded, and honestly? People start getting you more because you’re showing up as YOU—not some version of yourself you think they want.

The Game-Changer: Self-Awareness

When you embrace who you are—like, really embrace it—you stop chasing validation from others. You realize you don’t have to fight to be seen because you’re already showing up as your whole, beautiful self. And that, my friend, is when the magic happens. The right people will connect with you, and the relationships you build will feel more aligned, more effortless, and way more fulfilling.

My Real-Life Take

Listen, I didn’t get this overnight. (Far from it!) I’ve spent years learning how to quiet the noise, lean into introspection, and actually like the person staring back at me in the mirror. And let me tell you—when you stop trying to make everyone else happy and start loving yourself first, everything changes. It’s not always easy, but dang, it’s worth it.

So, here’s your permission slip: take the time to dig into who you are. Celebrate the quirks, embrace the mess, and love yourself like your life depends on it—because it kinda does. You are SO worthy of being seen, and it all starts with letting the world see the real you. Trust me, you’ve got this.