This value doesn’t need much introduction – I mean, we all know who the friendly people are!

They are the ones with a cheery disposition, who smile and compliment others. They have good energy, are fun to be around and are usually happy and laughing. They are approachable if you need something, generous with their time, happy to support you and cause you very little stress.

In school, we do a lot of work around friendships and getting along with others. It’s a lifelong skill and some people find it difficult – in fact sorting out friendship issues is the number one thief of my time.

Children all know the kind of friends they want – but few would admit to being that person. However, children have to be taught these skills – relationships are tough when you’re 6, 7 and 8! And they’re not much better in your 20’s, 30’s and beyond.

A lot of it comes down to letting go of your ego.

⭐️ It’s about not having to always be right, first or getting your own way.

⭐️ It’s about compromise and acceptance and not judging people.

⭐️ It’s about thinking the best of people without assuming the worse.

Does this sound like you? Would you be described as friendly? If not, what can you do about it?

In the quest to be your own kind of beautiful, the bottom line is that people like friendly people!

Did you miss any othe the previous posts in this series? If so, why not check out BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE, ENTHUSIASTIC, ACCEPTING, UNIQUE, TRUTHFUL AND INTEGRITY.

Integrity is honest, pure, sincere, good…

The opposite is deceit, dishonesty, disgrace.

I know which I’d rather be known for.

Integrity is knowing your worth. It’s not about being big headed, obnoxious or vain – it’s about having the quiet confidence of someone who understands who they are and more importantly, their value.

⭐️ When you have integrity you know you will do a good job, regardless of who notices.

⭐️ When you have integrity, you don’t make promises you won’t keep. If you say you will do something, you do it.

⭐️ When you have integrity you look after yourself because you understand that an empty cup cannot sustain anyone else.

⭐️ When you have integrity you treat others how you expect to be treated, but you also show  them how to treat you – you have boundaries, standards and expectations.

⭐️ When you have integrity you are not easily swayed, but listen to your internal compass, following the path that’s right for you despite what others may be doing.

⭐️ When you have integrity you don’t need to speak ill of anyone else because you can appreciate that everyone is on their own path and you are not in the habit of comparing yourself to others.

In the quest to be your own kind of beautiful having integrity is knowing how important you are.

And that is a beautiful thing.

🦄 Did you miss any of the previous posts in this series? If so, check out BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE, ENTHUSIASTIC, ACCEPTING, UNIQUE and TRUTHFUL.

True – adjective (real)

being what exists, rather than what was thought, intended or stated

What a fabulous definition!

Being what exists – who you are.

Not what you do or say you will do, intend to do someday…but who you are, right here, right now.

We all know people who aren’t truthful, exaggerate or embellish the truth. People who you don’t believe will do what they say they will. People you don’t believe are being truthful. People who stroke your ego maybe? Or just tell you exactly what you want to hear.

Sad but true.

These people may be genuinely nice people. But if you don’t believe what they’re saying to you, then you are not going to go to them when you need advice, an honest opinion or some support are you?

Likewise, we all have people whose opinions we trust. People you go to when you need an honest answer and know they will speak the truth even if it may not be what you want to hear.

Ask yourself, which category do you fall into? Being truthful is something you can change right now.

Decide to only speak the truth from now on.

⭐️ Being known for speaking the truth about others – don’t gossip or talk unkindly behind their backs.

⭐️ Be truthful about who you are – not what others think you should be but what sits in line with your values and beliefs.

⭐️ Be honest when talking about yourself – don’t exaggerate or embellish the truth to portray yourself as better than you are.

⭐️ Don’t make excuses – admit when your are wrong, own your faults and learn to move on.

⭐️ Let go of any lies you might have been telling yourself and embrace your life just as it is – the good, the bad and the ugly.

In the quest to be your own kind of beautiful – be true to yourself at all times and you will live a happier, more fulfilled life.

How true to yourself are you? Where can you improve upon this to ensure you are always being as honest as you can?

🦄 Did you miss any of the previous posts in this series? Check out BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE, ENTHUSIASTIC, ACCEPTING and UNIQUE.

The inspiration for this whole series came from one quote – “be your own kind of beautiful”.

Six words that summed up all I have learnt, reflected on and taught in the last few years since the death of my younger brother.

I have written before about how, after reaching a very low pint in my life I literally had to pick myself up from rock bottom and how I found my smile again.

Pressure from the media, our peers, society and ourselves has never been higher. We are bombarded by advertisements on how to be prettier, slimmer, happier, wealthier. Success is defined by many, many terms.

But what if you took a look at your life and created your own definition of what success means to you based on your uniqueness.

⭐️ Being authentic despite everyday pressures

⭐️ Doing what you love even if it’s not the norm, or popular

⭐️ Trusting your instinct and making the decisions that are best for you

⭐️ Dancing to the beat of your own drum

It’s a long journey, but if you want to live the most authentic life you can, you need to spend time getting to know yourself.

Find what makes you come alive; what makes you cross; what you need every day; how you want to be seen and what you believe in.

Find what makes you unique.

In the quest to be your own kind of beautiful – you need to be you! It’s what the world needs.

Reflect on where in your life you struggle to be yourself. Where do you feel you should not or could not stand out from the crowd? Why do you think this is? What can you do to change your mindset?

Remember, I think you are amazing just the way you are!

🦄 Did you miss any of the previous posts in this series? Check out BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE, ENTHUSIASTIC and ACCEPTING.