Just do yourself

Written by Jeroen Zuidberg

Am I good enough…?

Sometimes I think, I am not.

“Here I am, on my bike, screaming my music out loud, with tears in my eyes and rain pouring down from the sky.”

I am a very positive and enthusiastic person. You will see me smiling everywhere, and I always do my best for everything and everyone. However, sometimes it is hard.

I am a giver, and I often put myself in second place. I want to help people. I want to make sure everyone feels well. Sometimes, being a giver results in full agendas, an occupied mind, and moments of toxic worrying about myself and my insecurities.

In those moments, it is important to make decisions for me and to say no to friends, family, and others. To take a step back. Not because of them, but because I need it. Where is my NO?

It took me a lot of time before I started to understand how I, with my personality, deal with difficult moments. The questions I asked myself were:

• I get energy from other people. Why does it feel like too much right now?

• I always feel like myself. Why not now?

• My motto is #JustDoStuff. Why does it feel like I should #JustDon’tDoStuff?

I understand now that these feelings are a part of me. And I have to accept that I get to feel this once in a while. It is okay. Ignoring it will not help. Sometimes you need to step back and find your own safe space, do some sports, or journal to let go of your thoughts. Only then can you come back with that smile, that enthusiasm, and that energy.

You ARE good enough.

You ARE amazing.

It’s okay to sometimes worry about yourself.

If I could advise anyone, I would say that you should never hold yourself back. Embrace who you are as a person. And when you're experiencing difficult times, try to search for the positives, even if it's hard. Try to vocalize your thoughts, and remember that you’re not alone. For me, it helped to talk about it with friends and family. But journaling and meditation were also helpful for sorting my thoughts and grounding me.

It brought to life a new motto that I tell myself: #JustDoYourself. It stands for not only wanting to be yourself but also living and acting toward that!