I see so many beautiful, talented women who are spending all their energy trying to be someone else. They are afraid they aren’t enough on their own, so they try to change their appearance to look like a model or superstar. They try to hide the very characteristics that makes them unique.

So, it’s time for me to call B.S. and wake you up. It does not matter how you look on the outside, because makeup, weave and designer clothes can make anyone look beautiful. What matters is if you are beautiful on the inside. Are you happy with yourself when no one is looking?

See, each of us are born to live a purpose filled life but somewhere along the way, we become convinced that we must measure up to society’s standards. And it’s not just us many of our young girls have stopped playing basketball and other sports because then they aren’t considered pretty. Or they stop showing how smart they are in subjects like Math and Science because they are getting the underlined message that it is not cool to be smart.

If we stop allowing others to dictate who and what we are then we can show our young girls they can do the same.

Come on ladies! Why are you hiding your beautiful, fabulous selves? Why are you missing out on the best life possible?

It’s never too late to be what you should be; go back to school, try for a different job, start a business. Find your passion and make it yours. You are an original. There’s no one else like you and if you think about it, that’s pretty exciting. Bring your personality, your purpose and your passion to what you choose and you can be unstoppable.

Whatever you do, don’t think that you can’t go after your dreams until you lose 10 pounds, get a raise or get in a relationship. Today is the day to change your life. Start with igniting that passion that has been buried deep.

If you aren’t sure what that is, take some time to look at photos from when you were a young girl or read an old diary. Be alert to the hints and clues of what you wanted to be when you grew up. Think about the clubs, activities or classes you loved back then. What were they pointing you toward? What catches your interest now? What would get you excited about each new day?

The world is better because you are in it. Don’t doubt that for a minute. Embrace your individuality and let yourself shine. While you are busy living your amazing, purpose-filled life, you will be inspiring others and attracting people who will love you for who you are.

So here’s a question for you: Is it better to be known for what you do or how you look? I can’t wait to hear from you! Leave a comment below. And if you liked this article, share it with your friends, they will love you for it!