Self-care part 2
"Just be yourself" is crap advice.
It's one of those thought-terminating cliches that's offered to people so nervous they're about to piss themselves. If at that moment they were cloned and placed in front of themselves (or alternatively (and more boringly) shown a mirror), that's the last person they would want to be. Also fun fact! it's useless advice - you are always being yourself, that's sort of the definition of "self" (as scientists studying qualia will sadly and solemnly confirm (actually i don't know if they would be solemn, they could be leaking tears and snot while signalling their agreement - but I digress)).
"Just do yourself" is better advice, in my opinion. It lifts people up - lets them know that they already have everything they need in their arsenal, and all they need to is to start using it. At the same time, it's a reminder that some introspection and action is needed to identify the weapons and consciously use them.
Does this post come off as arrogant? Perhaps it does. Then again, this post will likely be seen by eyes none other than mine, so perhaps this tone is warranted as a firm reminder of what I need to do, and how surprisingly not hard it can be.