According to Amy Weatherly, life is what you make of it. Known for her take on being a mother, Weatherly is an author and Texas native. A mother of three, Weatherly is best known for a post by her on Facebook, where she lamented the difficulties of motherhood and how it is an often thankless job.
Here is the latest post from Weatherly where she talks about how much she has changed over the years and is the better for it.
She Starts by Remembering Who She Was
She begins by talking about the person she used to be, the scared girl who didn’t belong as a teen and was always seeking a way to fit in. She also reminisced about how unpopular she felt and how others seemed to not want her around, which is basically what many teens who weren’t a part of a social group felt like.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m not quite cool enough. Sometimes I feel like I’m just not popular enough. Sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in the same way other people do.
Sometimes I feel like there is a group who maybe doesn’t really want me there. Sometimes I wonder why I wasn’t invited. Sometimes I wonder why I wasn’t included. Sometimes I walk up to a circle of people and I get that awful, sinking feeling like they were just talking about me.
Sometimes I feel like the same 16-year-old girl who didn’t know where to sit in the cafeteria.
Who didn’t belong with the popular girls.
Who didn’t belong with the sporty girls.
Who didn’t belong with the theater girls.
Who didn’t belong with the band girls.”
Then She Talks About an Important Truth
Then she starts talking about how she remembered one beautiful truth that she is not the same girl she was back then. Freeing in its simplicity, her statement goes to show that growing up changes you, and with maturity comes wisdom that you are not the same person as before. That, more than likely, as you’ve grown, you have changed for the better.
“And then I remember this one beautiful truth: even though I may feel like that same, insecure, trying-too-hard, what-is-everyone-else-doing, why-can’t-I-be-like them girl, I’m not. I’m not her anymore.
I still look a little bit like her. I still have some of the same quirks as her, but I’m not her. Thank the good Lord.
I’ve learned too much since then. I’ve grown too much since then. I’ve cried too many tears since then. I’ve dried too many tears since then. I’ve been through too many hard things and come out still standing upright since then.
I may feel like her from time to time, but I’m not her.
I’m wiser. I’m stronger. I’m better in most ways.
These aren’t wrinkles on my forehead. These are the marks of a girl becoming a confident woman. These aren’t stretch marks on my stomach. These are the battle wounds of a constant worrier becoming a freaking warrior.”
She Then Discusses How She has Grown as She has Gotten Older
She also talks about how she is a stronger person now who is more capable than she ever was before. She also discusses how popularity and being part of a clique is overrated. In her words, both are a waste of energy which can be better focused on being yourself and becoming who you were truly meant to be, outside of the expectations of others.
“I know something she didn’t. I know how to make my own table. I know how to do my own thing. I know how to enjoy my own company. I know how to be grateful for my tiny tribe. I know how to be proud of exactly who God created me to be, whether I do it alone or whether I do it with thousands.
I know that sometimes not belonging is the greatest gift of all.
I know that sticking out is sometimes the greatest compliment you could ever be given.
I know that the world won’t change if I’m busy blending into the crowds and the cliques, or constantly changing myself to earn their cheers.
I know that being popular is terribly over-rated.
I know that I am content with who I am, with where I am, and with what I have.”
She Then Relates How the Reader, Like Her, is not the Same Person They Once Were
Finally, she talks about how the reader should approach life with the same blasé fair that she does, especially when it comes to what others might think of you. Ultimately, the only one who can make you happy is yourself. And the best way to accomplish this is to be yourself and remain true to who you are.
“I hope you know that too. That you aren’t the same girl you used to be. That you don’t have to worry about fitting in anymore. That you don’t have to try so hard anymore.
That you are free to be exactly who God created you to be.
That you don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea.
That you don’t have to be anything or anyone you don’t want to be.
You do you, friend. You do it with a smile. You do it with love. You do it with all the confidence in the world.
You do it bright, and if it burns other people’s eyes, so be it. Tell them to put on their cheap sunglasses cause it’s about to get light up in here, and then just keep on shining with everything you have. Life’s too short to be dim.”
More About Amy Weatherly
Amy Weatherly is an author and mother of three who lives in Midland, Texas. She has endeared herself to the many moms who read her posts on social media. She views it as her passion to help other women come to the realization that what they do matters, whether they are appreciated or not.
Learning How to Accept Who You Are
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Accepting who you are is a big step in the life of an adult. Many of us get stuck on the mistakes of the past, or what others might have said about us. It is only when you realize that the only person who controls your happiness is you. To gain the peace that acceptance can bring requires a few steps on your part, including:
- Focusing on your positive qualities
- Getting rid of negative thought patterns
- Accepting your imperfections
- Be positive with yourself
- Disregard what others might say
Ultimately, your goal is to accept who you are and realize that we are all human with human weaknesses and the failings that can come of that. Only by accepting yourself for who you truly are can you hope to find a lasting peace.
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By Cheryl Knight
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Cheryl Knight is a contributor at SBLY Media.
