My Inner Critic told me the "real me" was too much for people (and at the same time not enough), that I was an outsider who was different from everyone else and needed to earn her way to acceptance. It said I needed to prove my worth by meeting certain expectations and keeping others happy. It made me feel like I was weird and awkward and needed to morph into a girl others wanted me to be.

I became the Perfectionist, the Over-Achiever, the People-Pleaser, the Good Girl, the Pretty Girl, the Ever-Dependable Friend.

I was desperate to prove and have others affirm:

You matter.
You're worthy.
You're loved.
You're accepted.

I didn't see any danger in it at the time. I was convinced I was becoming a "better version" of Rachael.

But man, was I wrong.

Rather than leading me to my "best self" and more confidence - this path ultimately led to my ruin.

I have spent (and continue to spend) a lot of energy, time, and money in an effort to bring more self-awareness to my life and actively weed out the various limiting beliefs that had previously kept me in bondage for so many years.

Now I know those fears and self-doubts are not true. I know in my heart and the core of my being that I am perfectly loved, enough, and worthy; I know that I belong, just as I am.

I've learned what it takes to embrace my "real" and step into a life I'm passionate about. 

I want you to experience that same freedom as well.