Youer than you

Good evening guys. Sam here a little later than usual as I had one of those super productive days where I PROUDLY achieved so much, meaning that of course, I had to forget something!!

I know this... One of my flaws is that when I have a lot to do, whether it's in a good way or in an over-loaded way, things can sometimes slip my mind. This is one of the reasons writing things down helps me!! But I recognise this in myself and I accept it… and by now friends and family accept it too.

There are many quirks that we may have, that we and our loved ones come to accept sooner or later, so this email is here today to remind us to be PROUD of those quirks. Embrace them in yourself and embrace them in those around you. You should never change who you are for anybody and in return you should never ask somebody to change for you.

When I was a little girl I remember very much being centre of attention a lot of the time… Dancing, singing, putting on mini plays based on the songs of Bananarama (don’t ask). At some point during my school years this extrovert personality got mightily suppressed. Being clever in my school made you a target for bullies and even a target within my friendship group. Even after school my “friends” controlled my life down to what brand of trainers to wear so that they wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with me. From all sides I felt the need to change or hide who I was to please everybody around me.

I’ve spoke a lot about my problems with alcohol and most of the time drinking very much “helped” me be less shy and seemingly more outgoing. Only when I gave it up at the age of 25 did I start to rediscover myself. It's taken a few years but reconnecting with that little girl and her love of bananarama(!) has reminded me just how much I have to be PROUD of. I am so PROUD of who I am, I’m PROUD of the struggles I’ve been through because it has made me who I am today, and I am so so PROUD of my friends and family that have allowed and encouraged me to be the real me.

You guy are all amazing in your own way! Be proud of that and to quote Dr Seuss:

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Have a great week

x

.S. I feel that I should add a bonus quote by....

Bananarama!!

Don't try to change me, you're wasting your time 

Sam & Ashley