I am ME

Today's September 11. Eleven years ago, I still remember where I was when I heard the news. It only comes as a reminder that we should live our best life. Tomorrow's not guaranteed. May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace.
"I am ME."
I never actually got that, never let it sink in until it finally dawned on me. Everyone comes to this realization at some point in their lives. For some, they are fortunate to experience it at an early age, but for many, I’ve come to realize, it takes years, sadly, when one foot is already in the grave. Why do you often see older people speaking their mind so freely and making no apologies? They have finally been liberated.
Growing up, I often heard these words from parents and older ones, “Why don’t you be like your brother or sister,”’ “Why can’t you be like your cousin?”
I always detested those comparisons. If there was ever anything that motivated me NOT to do something, it was comparing me with someone else.
Unconsciously, we have been trained to be like others, at home it was dad, mom, or a sibling. At work, it was a predecessor, who for the most part, was a saint and you had to live up to that high standard.
My realization hit me on the job. I won’t tell you which job, LOL. I don’t plan on burning any bridges right now. I became tired of doing things the way my predecessor did it, and decided I would do what worked for me. I am my own person, who got to where I was by the grace of God and with my intellect. I reasoned, my employers must have seen some value to employ me, so I needed to have that faith in myself. That was my AHA moment. From then on, I've done things my way, and it began to flow. I've even surprised myself a few times.
Are you living every day in your own skin, or does it take so much more effort being what others want you to be?
Ask yourself, ‘am I ME?