On coming out and staying true to yourself
Coming out has been my greatest challenge, but also my greatest lesson.
Through my own personal journey, I've learned how to accept myself and live my truth. In a way, it's brought me closer to others.
I see him standing there, Younger Me.
All those moments when he's felt scared, hurt or lost. I want to hug him and say: "You're safe now."
Because Adult Olle knows what it's like to be part of a loving and supportive community where he can be himself. And love whoever he wants.
The road to love and self-acceptance looks different for everyone. As Tennesse Williams writes:
No matter where you are on your journey, you have all the reasons to be proud. Because a journey towards love is a journey towards loving yourself and others.
We can all make life easier by giving each other more love, understanding and compassion. We all want to feel seen, heard and understood. It's the greatest gift we can give another human being.
Love should never mean living in fear.
Love invites; it adds, never subtracts.
Your love is worth celebrating. It's something to be proud of.
The obstacle is the way
My coming out has taught me to stay true to myself and my values. To live life with courage and to fill my days with acceptance and curiosity. To stick to my own inner scorecard rather than worrying about what others think, or what looks good on paper.
I've met and talked to people from all walks of life. If there's one thing I know it's this: We all have our own personal struggles - both big and small. It's how we cope with them that defines us.
The hard-earned lessons can be tough to take in. But when we learn them, they change our life. The obstacle is the way.
The process of coming out has been a valuable life lesson. And like with most wisdom, I paid the price of admission. My experience is one of many reasons why I'm now studying psychology.
School starts in a week. It's going to be an exciting, but challenging year.
We'll learn more about different personalities (what makes us different? what makes us similar?) and explore topics like confidence, self-esteem and child development. I can't wait to share what I learn with you.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
1 question for you
What would you tell your younger self? With the gift of hindsight, are there any kind words that Younger You would need to hear?
Outro
That's it for this week.
Until next week,
Olle Lindholm, author of The Inner Scorecard and Your Habit Coach
PS. How was your summer? And what does the autumn have in store for you? Please reply and let me know how you're doing! It's been too long.
Olle Lindholm
A Sweden-based author and coach.
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