Attention vs Authenticity

Time, energy, mental space--call it what you want--all the pieces that we put into trying to validate, or feel validated, usually by trying to impress the wrong people. Especially when we're young, we tend to shift who we are on a core level in order to fit the perception of the people that we fell like we need to be validated from. The problem is this consistent morphing of who we are as an individual to make others smile, to be loved, cared for, recognized.The crave for attention comes at a cost. The things you do for the acknowledgement of others can say a lot about what matters most to you. Shouldn't YOU matter most to you, though? Live knowing the decisions you make and the actions you take today won't cause feelings of regret later in your life just because of the influence other people have over your life. Take pride in your own steadfastness to your core principles, yet celebrate your ability to think creatively when the spark comes to you. How important is it to you to pursue the person that you want to become rather than fitting in for the moment for others?Life goes and grows without you, the world clock forever ticking. Time doesn't know you, time doesn't care about you. Become the best version of you, FOR YOU. We are all sculpted based on our experiences in life, developing habits from those interactions. Have a perspective of gratitude that reminds you of the fortune you are already surrounded with. Being authentically YOU is what people truly love most about YOU.