As children, we are often told that we were not good enough or were punished just for being who we are. Thick layers of confusion and doubt developed, clouding our true Self. Layers of fear and doubt are woven into personalities as we learn to survive a cruel world.
By the time we are twelve or thirteen, many of us developed a protective mask or persona to hide layers of fear and insecurity 
from others and even ourselves. Though we might outwardly appear happy or content, on the inside, most, to varying degrees, feel unhappy with who we are, wishing we were somebody we are not. We feel the heavy burden of the fears, old wounds, and doubt that builds up over time. We lost touch with that beautiful, shining true Self and inner child still inside, buried under layers of fear, anger, guilt, shame, confusion, inadequacy, and more.
Many of us have had peak experiences at some point in life where a deeper truth broke through, times where we felt satisfied with life or where we were reminded of who we really are. No matter how much you may have forgotten, who your true Self is it has always been there no matter how thick the layers are.
Accepting and Understanding Myself
You can choose right now to invite your beautiful inner Self to shine through the dark clouds. By doing your best to accept and understand all of who you are—both your inner self and the layers of dark clouds within—you can open more fully to life and enjoy the gift of who you are.
When fears, dark thoughts, difficult emotions, or selfish desires arise, first choose to accept they are present and part of you. Once you’ve recognized and accepted them, work towards understanding the dark clouds and where they came from. By choosing acceptance and understanding of all parts of yourself, the clouds gradually begin to shift and disperse. Pathways to your divine Self begin to open, thus allowing your radiant inner Self to shine through.
Courage
It takes courage to accept and work to understand your fears and weaknesses. It takes even more courage to allow others to see the clouds, to see us as we really are. Yet, by allowing ourselves to be seen—by doing our best to be fully ourselves in all our strengths and weaknesses—our relationships can grow richer, deeper, and more meaningful.
Some people may reject you or ask you not to be who you are with them. As friends and family see you become more authentic and honest, they may also be inspired to be more genuine too. Thus, instead of continually avoiding or denying fear and hurt in yourself, you open to a more profound, more authentic way of living and relating. It may be challenging, as some people cannot accept certain parts of themselves, so they can’t accept you.
As you accept and understand yourself better, you become more mindful and lighten up about life. Life gradually becomes fuller and freer as you no longer have to expend so much energy supporting a mask or persona.
Accepting and Understanding Others
As you develop greater acceptance and understanding of yourself, you will notice that others, too, have many layers clouding their divine Self. In trying to survive in this world, they, too, have lost touch with who they really are. There is darkness and light, good and bad in all of us. As you work to accept and understand yourself, it is most important that you also choose to give this gift to those around you.
You are a beautiful being worthy of love. As you allow yourself to be seen and not judge yourself — you give others the permission to love you too.