Be Proud of Who You Are, But Don't Fear Change

Hi! My name is Tina Michelle and I have Epilepsy. You thought I was going to say something about alcohol, didn't you? At least, I got your attention! If you have ever read my previous posts or my other blog, bdsmunveiled.com, my Epilepsy will not come as a surprise to you. If you have never read my blogs and have no idea who I am, now you do!

I always try to look at the positive and bright side of things, even with my condition. I have had many really bad weeks with my Epilepsy, but always have tried to stay on the positive side. My partner, Marco, usually is with me the entire time and helps me laugh, feel safe and loved and sees me through all the symptoms that come up. At times, I become almost completely immobile for a couple of hours, until my body decided to restart again. He makes that very scary time, a place that could have easily been a black, dreary period, much more brighter.

When someone is completely helpless, defenseless, unable to move or speak, and barely able to think, that is a very scary position to be in. Many who have Epilepsy and other illnesses know this. Tonight's post is about being proud of who you are, no matter what conditions you have, what you look like, your personality, or anything else that is you. Just Be Proud of YOU!

I know that I have Epilepsy and that many people are either scared or weirded out by that fact. I know I am short. I know I am not a skinny woman. I know I am 42. I know I tell silly jokes and also have the wonder of a child when I watch cartoons (and yes I really do). But you know what? I am very proud of every facet of myself and my personality.

There are things that have changed in my thinking and beliefs over time because of experiences I've had and just because of life.  Change can be a good thing. Change does not mean that you are not proud of who and what you are, it just means that you are growing in a new way, a new phase of your life.

Many things have changed for me over the past few years. I moved from California to Italy. I became a blogger and realized a life-long dream of becoming a published author. I am living with the best man I have ever known, who has a very good heart and endless love for those close to him. I have grown more confident with myself and am utilizing skills I almost forgot I had. I have rediscovered myself.

The list I just mentioned are the biggest changes I've undergone. There are many small ones that I have made and continue to make in an effort to try and improve my knowledge of the world around me and to take better care of my health. I am experimenting with cooking and different genres of writing. I am constantly learning more Italian. I keep up with the latest technology as well as any new treatments that are published about Epilepsy. Am I bragging? Not at all. I am merely letting you know of how proud I am of my accomplishments.

Many of you may think you are very proud of yourselves as you are. But, do you ever think to yourself, 'Man, I hate my thighs. I hate how my ass looks. I hate how fat or skinny I am. I wish I were smarter. I wish I were....'

I used to do that exact same thing. I have learned over the past couple of years that I am the way I am and I am who I am and I really like who I am and what I look like. Of course, I am like every other female and question my partner with things like 'How does this look on me' and 'Do I really look that' kind of questions. I am lucky because he loves me as I am. He tells me if I want to change something, then change it. If not, be proud of what I look like and who I am. I have taken that lesson to heart and am now living it each and every day. This is one lesson that has made my life less complicated and even more enjoyable to live.

Remember, we are only on Earth for a short time and have only this one life to live. Don't live it with regrets, not loving yourself, always questioning your beliefs and changing yourself because you are trying to fit in with the current, most popular belief system.

Think your own original thoughts. Wear whatever style of fashion makes you feel good. Eat what you like. Be proud of every roll you have, every scar you bear, every rib that may show. If it bothers you, then exercise to take off some weight, eat more to cover up those ribs, or go to a dermatologist to get rid of the scars. But do not, I repeat, DO NOT put yourself down and hate who you are. Those kind of negative feelings will only hold you back from enjoying the good things in life.

Being proud of your self and your accomplishments does not mean you have an inflated ego nor does it mean you go around bragging. It just means that no matter what anyone says, you like what you see and who you are. We are always growing and changing throughout our lives, and you should be proud of that. Knowledge and change are the flavors of life. If we don't grow and change with time and knowledge, then we will forever be stuck in a circle instead of following the many beautiful paths that life has to offer.

Always remember, look in that mirror every morning and tell yourself, 'I love me. I am beautiful. I am proud of me.' If you need to, say it all day every day until you start to believe it. Because you are a good person. You are worthy. You are smart. You are beautiful. You are the only you, so you are wonderful and unique.

ENJOY YOUR LIFE AND LIVE IT PROUDLY!