The Best Version of You Is Who You Are

March 23, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“The best version of you is who you are when you’re completely natural and not trying to impress anyone else for any reason whatsoever.”

Being Your Authentic Self

When you’re truly yourself—not putting on a show, not trying to win approval, not worried about judgment—that’s when your light shines brightest. Think about those moments when you’re completely comfortable, maybe with old friends or alone doing something you love. There’s a lightness there, right? Your shoulders relax, your laugh comes easier, your thoughts flow naturally. That version of you has incredible power because it’s real. It’s not weighed down by the exhausting work of maintaining an image or meeting others’ expectations.

The world is constantly sending us messages about who we should be. Social media, family pressure, workplace culture—they all push us to shape ourselves into something that fits. But here’s the truth: trying to squeeze yourself into these molds drains your energy and dims your unique qualities. When you stop performing for others, you’ll find you have so much more to give. Your creativity flows better, your relationships deepen, and solutions to problems come more naturally because you’re operating from your genuine core.

Most of us don’t even realize how much we’re holding back. We’ve developed habits of self-censorship so ingrained they feel normal. Take a moment to ask yourself: “When was the last time I felt completely free to be myself?” Maybe it was years ago, maybe just yesterday. Those glimpses of authenticity are showing you what’s possible. Your path forward isn’t about becoming something new—it’s about peeling away the layers of pretense you’ve accumulated over the years.

The people who will matter most in your life are those who appreciate the real you. When you show up authentically, you naturally attract relationships built on genuine connection rather than performance. Yes, being your true self might mean some people drift away. Let them go. They weren’t connecting with the real you anyway. The relationships that remain and the new ones you’ll form will be deeper and more nourishing than you can imagine.

Start small. Notice when you’re changing yourself to please others. Pay attention to when your words don’t match your true thoughts or when your body feels tense from trying to be something you’re not. Just noticing these moments creates space for change. Then practice—maybe just for five minutes—being completely yourself. No filter, no performance. Just you. Each time you do this, you strengthen your connection to your authentic self. This isn’t selfish—it’s the opposite. The world needs your genuine energy, creativity, and perspective. By being fully yourself, you give others permission to do the same.

Don’t Allow the Limitations

March 17, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Don’t allow the limitations of those around you to become your own.”

Breaking Free from Borrowed Limitations

Don’t allow the limitations of those around you to become your own. This simple truth has been a game-changer in my own life. When we spend time with people who’ve decided certain dreams aren’t possible, that happiness has limits, or that we should “stay in our lane,” these beliefs can quietly slip into our minds without us noticing. These aren’t your original thoughts – they’re hand-me-down limitations you never asked for.

I’ve seen this play out countless times with the people I work with. A brilliant artist who stopped creating because her family insisted “art doesn’t pay bills.” A natural entrepreneur who stayed in a soul-crushing job because friends warned about the risks of starting something new. These weren’t their authentic limitations – they were borrowing someone else’s fear and calling it wisdom. The people who love us often mean well, but their cautions come from their own wounds and disappointments.

Here’s the liberating truth: other people’s “impossible” doesn’t have to be yours. When someone says “that will never work” or “people like us don’t do that,” what they’re really saying is “I can’t imagine doing that myself.” Their mental roadblocks don’t need to become your roadblocks. Their ceiling doesn’t need to become your ceiling. The most profound growth happens when you recognize these borrowed limitations and consciously set them down.

This doesn’t mean ignoring all advice or feedback. Instead, it means developing a healthy filter. Ask yourself: “Is this limitation based on universal truth, or someone else’s unhealed story?” Most limitations that hold us back are just stories that were repeated so often they started feeling like facts. Your path is yours alone, and what feels impossibly scary to someone else might be exactly the journey your soul is calling you toward.

Remember that your life’s potential isn’t determined by what others think is possible. When you stop carrying other people’s limitations, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter you feel and how much farther you can go. Start today by identifying one “I can’t” belief you’ve been carrying that might not actually be yours. Question it. Challenge it. And then watch what happens when you step beyond a boundary that was never truly yours to begin with. Your authentic life is waiting on the other side of borrowed limitations.

Unless Your Mind Is Clear of Negativity

March 15, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Unless your mind is clear of negativity, it will keep choosing similar negative experiences, that keep you far from love.” – Leon Brown

Clear Your Mind, Open Your Heart

Have you ever noticed how one bad day seems to lead to another? That’s no accident. When your mind is cluttered with negative thoughts, it’s like wearing dark sunglasses—everything you see looks gloomy. Your mind becomes a magnet for more of what you’re already focused on. If you’re constantly thinking about disappointment or failure, guess what shows up in your life? More disappointment and more failure. This isn’t just coincidence—it’s how our brains work. We find evidence for what we already believe, and then we act in ways that create exactly what we feared.

The beautiful truth is that you have the power to break this cycle. Think of your mind as a garden. Negative thoughts are weeds that choke out the flowers of joy and connection. Every time you catch yourself thinking “I’ll never find love” or “Nobody understands me,” you’re planting another weed. But here’s the good news: you can put down the dark seeds and pick up brighter ones. When you practice noticing your negative thoughts without judging yourself, you’re already halfway to freedom. You’re becoming the gardener rather than the garden.

Love doesn’t arrive through a locked door. When your mind is tangled in negativity, you’re essentially hanging a “Closed” sign on your heart. The universe responds to your energy, not just your dating profile or social calendar. Have you ever met someone who was desperate for love but pushed everyone away? They weren’t being rejected—they were doing the rejecting without even realizing it. Their negative expectations created a force field that authentic connection couldn’t penetrate. This isn’t about blame—it’s about understanding the invisible ways we create our own reality.

The shift from negativity to receptivity doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Start with small moments of awareness. When you catch yourself spiraling into worst-case scenarios about relationships, gently ask yourself: “Is this absolutely true? Or is this just an old story I’m telling myself?” Take three deep breaths. Look around and find something beautiful—even something tiny like the color of the sky or the kindness in a stranger’s smile. These small interruptions in your negative thought patterns create new neural pathways over time.

Remember, you deserve love simply because you exist. Not because you’re perfect or have everything figured out. The journey toward clearing your mind of negativity isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about returning to who you’ve always been beneath the fear. When you release the grip of negative thinking, you’ll be amazed at how differently you move through the world. People will respond to you differently. Opportunities for connection will appear where there seemed to be none before. And most importantly, you’ll finally be able to see the love that’s been around you all along, waiting patiently for you to notice it.

Find Your Sense of Self

March 15, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Find your sense of self and be true to who you are.”

Finding Your True Self: The Journey Within

You know, finding your true self isn’t just some fancy idea—it’s the foundation of a life worth living. When you strip away all the noise—what others expect, what society pushes on you, what your fears tell you—there’s a radiant, authentic you waiting to be expressed. This journey isn’t always easy, but I promise it’s worth every step. The world needs exactly what only you can bring.

The first doorway to finding yourself is through quiet reflection. Take time each day to unplug from the chaos and just be. Maybe it’s five minutes of morning meditation, a peaceful walk in nature, or simply sitting with your thoughts before bed. In these silent moments, you’ll start hearing your inner voice more clearly. That voice isn’t just random chatter—it’s your compass pointing toward who you truly are beneath all the roles you play and masks you wear.

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: living someone else’s dream is exhausting, but living your truth energizes you beyond belief! Notice what lights you up, what makes time disappear, what you’d do even if nobody paid you or praised you. These aren’t just hobbies or interests—they’re clues to your authentic self. And when you honor these parts of you, even in small ways, life starts flowing instead of feeling like an uphill battle.

The people who truly belong in your life will celebrate the real you. Yes, showing your authentic self can feel scary—vulnerability always does. But hiding who you are? That’s the loneliest path of all. Start with baby steps if needed. Share a genuine thought, pursue a passion without apology, or simply say “no” when something doesn’t align with your values. Each authentic choice builds the muscle of self-trust and draws your tribe closer.

Remember this: you’re not discovering your true self—you’re remembering who you’ve always been beneath the layers of “shoulds” and expectations. The journey home to yourself isn’t a straight line, and that’s perfectly okay. Some days you’ll feel totally aligned, and others you might lose your way again. But every time you choose authenticity over approval, truth over comfort, or growth over familiarity, you’re reclaiming more of your beautiful, unique essence. And that, is the greatest gift you can give yourself and the world.

REMINDER: It Only Takes One Person to Make You Happy

March 15, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“REMINDER: It only takes one person to make you happy and change your life—YOU.” – Charles Orlando

You Are Your Own Source of Happiness

Have you ever noticed how we tend to look outside ourselves for happiness? We think, “If only I had that relationship” or “Once I get that promotion, then I’ll be happy.” I’ve been there too! But here’s the truth that transformed my life: you already possess everything you need for genuine happiness. When you realize that YOU are the one person who can truly make yourself happy, it’s like discovering a superpower that’s been within you all along.

The most beautiful part about taking responsibility for your own happiness is that it puts you back in the driver’s seat of your life. Think about it—when your happiness depends on someone else’s actions or words, you’re basically handing them the remote control to your emotions. But when you decide that your happiness starts and ends with you, suddenly those external circumstances don’t have the same power over you. Bad day at work? You can acknowledge it without letting it define your entire day. Argument with a loved one? You can process those feelings without spiraling into despair.

This doesn’t mean you need to go it alone in life—far from it! Relationships still matter tremendously. The difference is that when you’re already filling your own cup, your connections with others become richer and more authentic. Instead of desperately needing others to make you feel complete, you can appreciate them for exactly who they are. You’ll find yourself drawing healthier people into your life because you’re no longer coming from a place of emotional hunger but from a place of wholeness.

The journey to becoming your own source of happiness isn’t always smooth sailing. Some days, you’ll fall back into old patterns of looking outside yourself. That’s okay—it’s part of being human! The key is to gently remind yourself that while life’s circumstances will always fluctuate, you can develop an inner foundation that remains steady. Small daily practices like expressing gratitude, celebrating your wins (no matter how tiny), and being kind to yourself when you mess up all help strengthen this foundation.

Remember, choosing to be your own source of happiness isn’t selfish—it’s actually one of the most generous things you can do. When you’re genuinely happy from within, you naturally become a light for others. Your joy becomes contagious, your presence becomes a gift, and your life becomes an inspiration. So today, look in the mirror and recognize the one person who’s been waiting all along to make you happy—YOU. Your life will never be the same once you embrace this simple but powerful truth.

Just Because You’re Lonely Doesn’t Mean

March 10, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Reminder: Just because you’re lonely, doesn’t mean you should invite someone toxic back into your life.” – Author Unknown

Healing Your Heart Without Letting Poison Back In

Sometimes when loneliness wraps around you like a cold blanket, you might find yourself reaching for your phone to text that person who caused you so much pain before. That empty space in your life can feel unbearable, making even toxic connections seem better than no connection at all. But remember this: loneliness is temporary, but the damage from welcoming toxic people back into your life can set you back for years. Your heart deserves protection, even from your own lonely moments.

Think about it like being really hungry but only having moldy food in the fridge. Sure, you could eat it and stop the hunger pangs for a bit, but you’d end up much sicker afterward. That’s exactly what happens when you invite toxic people back just to fill a void. Instead, use this alone time to really get to know yourself again. Paint that picture you’ve been putting off, take yourself to dinner, or simply sit with your thoughts and dreams that got pushed aside when that person was around. This space that feels so empty now is actually fertile ground for your own growth.

The universe has this funny way of teaching us through contrast. Maybe you’re feeling this loneliness so intensely because you’re finally ready for something authentically good. When we clear out what’s harmful, we create room for something healthy to grow. Think of your life as a garden—sometimes it looks bare after you’ve pulled all the weeds, but that’s exactly when you can plant beautiful new seeds. Your loneliness might just be that in-between time when the weeds are gone but the flowers haven’t bloomed yet.

I’ve walked this path myself, and let me tell you—there’s a special kind of strength that comes from choosing your own healing over familiar comfort. Each day you resist reaching out to someone who dimmed your light is a vote of confidence in your future self. It’s you saying, “I love you enough to wait for what you truly deserve.” The right people won’t make you question your worth or drain your energy. They’ll feel like sunshine after a long winter, not like walking on eggshells in your own home.

So tonight, when that loneliness creeps in and your finger hovers over their name in your contacts, take a deep breath and remember: you aren’t just avoiding someone toxic—you’re actively choosing yourself. You’re keeping your heart open for connections that add to your life rather than subtract from it. And in the meantime, wrap yourself in self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend going through the same thing. Because the company you keep should include your own beautiful self—and you deserve nothing but kindness from within and without.

There’s No Limit to What You Can Learn

March 7, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“There’s no limit to what you can learn with an open mind.”

Unleashing Your Learning Potential

There’s no limit to what you can learn with an open mind. Think about that for a moment. When you drop your defenses and let go of thinking you already have all the answers, the world opens up in amazing ways. I’ve seen this happen countless times with my clients and in my own life. An open mind is like fertile soil where any seed of knowledge can take root and grow.

The biggest roadblock to learning isn’t lack of intelligence or opportunity—it’s closed thinking. When we say things like “that’s not how we do it” or “I already know enough about that,” we build walls around our minds. These walls might feel safe, but they keep out the very ideas that could transform our lives. Breaking down these walls isn’t always comfortable, but growth rarely happens in comfort zones. The magic starts when you’re willing to say, “Maybe I don’t know everything about this yet.”

I remember when I was stuck in my career years ago. I thought I knew exactly how things worked in my field, and I wondered why I wasn’t moving forward. It wasn’t until a friend challenged me to approach my work with a beginner’s mindset that everything changed. Suddenly, I saw opportunities I’d been blind to before. That’s the power of openness—it doesn’t just add new information; it completely shifts how you see what’s already in front of you.

The beautiful thing about cultivating an open mind is that it creates a ripple effect. When you approach one area of life with curiosity instead of certainty, you start doing it everywhere. Your relationships deepen because you truly listen. Your work improves because you consider new approaches. Even your daily routines become more meaningful because you notice details you used to miss. An open mind doesn’t just change what you learn—it changes how you live.

So here’s my challenge to you: Pick one thing you “know” today and question it. Ask yourself, “What if there’s more to this story?” Don’t worry about being right or wrong—just be curious. This simple practice, done regularly, will expand your world in ways you can’t imagine. Because the truth is, we never reach the end of what there is to know. And isn’t that wonderful? It means there’s always another discovery waiting, another “aha” moment just around the corner, as long as we’re willing to keep our minds open to receive it.

There Is More to You

March 6, 2017 By LLH Leave a Comment

“There is more to you than what’s on the surface. There always will be.”

There’s More to You Than Meets the Eye

You are an ocean of potential, not just the waves people see on the surface. Think about that for a second. While others might only notice your job title, your appearance, or your social media presence, there’s a whole universe of thoughts, dreams, and abilities swirling within you that most people never get to witness. These hidden depths are what make you truly unique – your quirky sense of humor that comes out at just the right moment, your ability to find creative solutions when everyone else is stuck, the compassion you show when no one’s looking.

The beautiful thing is that you’re constantly evolving, growing deeper and more complex with every experience. Each challenge you overcome adds another layer to who you are. Remember that difficult conversation you were dreading but finally had? That uncomfortable situation that forced you to be brave? These moments didn’t just happen to you – they became part of you, expanding your capacity for growth in ways you might not even recognize yet. You’re not the same person you were five years ago, and you won’t be the same person five years from now.

What others see is just the tip of the iceberg – their perception is limited by their own experiences and what you choose to reveal. Some people might try to put you in a box based on a single interaction or attribute, but don’t let their narrow vision define your sense of self. You know there’s more to your story – the struggles you’ve overcome, the dreams you hold close, the values that guide you when no one’s watching. These unseen aspects of yourself are no less real or important just because they aren’t always visible.

Sometimes we forget our own depths. We get caught up in projecting a certain image or comparing our outsides to others’ outsides. In those moments, take a breath and reconnect with your inner landscape. What makes your heart sing? What values do you hold dear? What unique gifts do you bring to the world that no one else can? The answers to these questions reveal the rich tapestry of who you truly are beyond the roles you play or the masks you sometimes wear.

Your depth isn’t something you need to prove to others – it’s something to honor within yourself. By recognizing and embracing all aspects of who you are, you give yourself permission to live more authentically. And when you live from that authentic place, you naturally invite others to see beyond your surface too. Remember: the world needs your full, complex, beautiful self – not just the parts you think are acceptable or impressive. There will always be more to discover within you. That’s not just the truth about you – it’s the magic of being human.