Amandla Stenberg is one of several young actresses wise beyond their years. These Words of Wisdom from her gave me confidence and strength to not be afraid to be who I am. I hope this clip does the same for you.
In one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sessions, Amandla spoke to a crowd about the power of vulnerability and authenticity. “When I am myself, most authentically myself, free of self-hatred, free of self-judgment, then I am also my most revolutionary,” the actress shared.
It takes true vulnerability to be yourself, though. It requires letting down walls and pressing through insecurities and temptation to be like other people. It’s difficult for me sometimes. I still have feelings pop up now and then of not being good enough as a writer and budding YouTuber. I’m afraid sometimes to write or talk to my camera at times. With vulnerability comes the possibility of rejection or misunderstandings or flat out hatred. So it’s hard. Not just for me, but for everyone.
However, that’s how I’ve been able to connect to the different people I have over the course of my writing career and my life. Being myself has opened the door for people to relate to, understand, and be uplifted by my perspectives. I hope that people see my true, authentic self reflected in this blog and in my life, and find their own strength and inspiration. I hope that you are able or learn to be vulnerable and show people your true self, too. You never know who may be able to relate.
Imperfectly B 