June: Be You Boldly.

Because who else should we be?

Consider my number two motto: sameness is overrated.

We live in a world that pressures us daily to confirm and be like everyone and everything else. As little tots and teenagers, we try to fit in so we belong. And if we don't, we feel bad and cast down, which effects our self-esteem.

Like there's something wrong with us.

Ok. I will say that I am writing this from a perspective of concepts rooted in positivity. So no, I'm not promoting an idea that we should be the best bully we can be. However, just the opposite.

Your own personal flair lights up rooms. And brings warmth to a soul that's low.

Got a squeaky voice? Sometimes we can just close our eyes and know who's singing a song.

Like Macy Gray.

Make what you have work for you.

A voice, even if it's quiet, is still bold because boldness doesn't automatically mean the loudest in any space.

You been trying to lose weight and still feel frumpy? Just because you're in between, on a journey, doesn't mean you still have to dress, look, and feel not put together. Embrace every stage of you! Because you don't start to matter only when you arrive or achieve a goal. You mattered before you got started.

I snapped June's photo while on a boat visiting beaches in the lush Caribbean. Do you know what animal that is on the beach? I couldn't tell if it's a horse, cow, big dog, or something native to the region. Or perhaps, it's just a bush?! Whatever it is, it stood out from the rest of the landscape.

And that's what we should do.

Stand out from the pack.

Even when around others who are positive or similar to you.

Or are you in a space where you shrink, because you're the only one who looks like you?

Wake up and know that your uniqueness is your power.

Got a rough start in life? In a midlife crisis? Just feel different?

Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze real tight.

Run your own race. Be your own person.

Embrace a bold you. Bold dreams. Bold goals. Bold prayers. Level up. Put one foot in front of the other and just start. Think positive. Tell yourself out loud that you can make it, believe it deep down, and start acting on it.

Your boldness is unexpected. Fresh. Invigorating.

Not weak.

Own it.

You are the seasoning that makes life special.

Next time you walk into a space, whether it is crowded or not, pause. Look around. Smile. And breathe. Tell yourself, "I am here."

Hold your head up.

If you can be anything, why not strive to be you?

And be you boldly.

Here's what made my list of tunes and sounds:

I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor

Believe in Yourself, Lena Horne

Live Your Life, T.I.

Faith That Conquers, Vanessa Bell Armstrong

My Way, Elvis Presley

Vissi d'Arte, from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini

True Colors, Cyndi Lauper

Video, India.Arie

How did I do? And what's on your playlist? And how are you showing up boldly?

Stefany