Just Be Yourself

This past Friday night, I saw ‘Midnight in Paris’ with three good friends.


Super movie.

But this isn’t about that.

We stopped by the ladies room following the film, and, when I closed the door of my stall, I was stunned - happily-dancing-at-my-luck kind of stunned - to find the following written clearly on the door, in black marker. Nice handwriting, even:

Just Be Yourself.

Sooo...I had just received an anonymous hug and good advice from a fellow movie goer who carries a Sharpie in her purse. Maybe she, like me, had had a Blue Moon beer, a pretzel (no salt, no oil) and seen a great movie when she felt inspired to so publicly share wisdom. 

Or maybe she was on a date with someone who inspired her to be herself - who she could sense liked who she was underneath the layers of typical first date conversation. A positive hum lingered in the air.

Or it's possible she was sick of the junk that's normally - albeit, enthusiastically - posted to the interior walls of public bathroom stalls. All the "I Love (fill in the blank)" with scratch-outs by jealous others and insults hurled aplenty.

Perhaps it's that women are inspired to write more thoughtful things on the insides of stalls in cute indie movie theaters.

Whatever the genesis of the Great Graffiti, the experience for me was akin to finding some well-timed quote on the little paper tag attached to my hot tea bag. But this ladies' room circumstance was much more random-seeming, so I felt even more fortunate. 

"Just Be Yourself" was to be found in the one stall I picked. The one clean stall in the place.

If the woman who inscribed the words also happens to be the person who left the stall so nice and hospitable, wow - she's truly Royalty to me, and deserving of free movies at the Magnolia Theatre for life.

Especially movies like 'Midnight in Paris,' that remind us to focus on the pursuits, places and people that give the greatest joy.

What does "Just Be Yourself" mean to You, Sweet Reader, at this moment? 


I really can't think of a time in which the words aren't a helpful mantra. Sure, there are always apropos moments to hold your tongue, to be kinder than necessary - yet you can simultaneously always Be Yourself. 

When you are honest about who you are, the sun in your world shines a little brighter. It's unstoppable. So consider tossing your emotional sunscreen for a bit. Or a lifetime. 


The world needs your authentic, caring, creative, analytical, studious, dynamic self. This includes your extra 5 pounds, any wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and other signs that you've been LIVING. It's all good. Really good. 

Imperfection + genuine heart + energy means a lot gets done, and people will actually enjoy working with you to help accomplish what your heart desires.

Get out there, love! And please - tell me what happens! 

Love,

Melinda


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