Everything’s Otay!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I saw a quote on Pinterest that I haven’t been able to find again, but I changed the wording to suit my own. It goes, “Be the light in the room, even if the room feels dim.” In other words, be the person who brings joy, comfort, and positivity in a room. This doesn’t mean be the center of attention. It means be the person who can bring a smile to someone’s face, lend a listening ear, bring encouragement, or get encouraged. Be the person that makes a difference.

With that being said, that ties into the best advice I ever received. We hear it almost everywhere, but applying it is one thing. That advice is “learn to love yourself to be your authentic self.” I’m about to get a little personal, but this advice was so hard for me to apply. I used to doubt myself a lot. I felt I was incapable of maintaining friendships, that I didn’t fit in, that no one found my interests interesting, and that I wasn’t smart enough. I felt like I had to alter myself to be accepted or liked in the past. In a way, I was a people pleaser, but in October of 2025, at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with ADHD. After learning about ADHD, everything I was feeling, like excessive overthinking, all made sense. While I was taking the time to adjust and come to terms with my diagnosis, I started to feel confident, coming to terms with my symptoms and learning to live with what I’ve been struggling with, but now I was able to put a name on it.

I’m approaching a year, and I’ve never felt better. I’m taking medication for my symptoms, and my self-love and self-respect are growing. I wasn’t who I was a year ago or even years ago. I’m learning I might not be a fit for everyone, but those who do come to accept who I am will show love and care towards me, and I’m okay with that. Whenever I enter a room, yes, I do have anxiety, but I feel more confident walking into a room, and I’m ready to show those I come across who I am. By doing that, I’m learning to control my overthinking. I have met some pretty incredible people along this journey and learned the paths they’re taking and the skills they’ve applied to better themselves as well. I don’t do it every time, but when I do, I bring the light into a room, even if the room feels a little dim.

What is some advice you have received and applied, or advice you would like to apply? Share below because I’m all about encouragement and learning new skills.