Danica Patrick: Stand out, accept yourself, quash negativity

February 08, 2016 | by Danica Patrick
I’ve never minded standing out.

When I walk into a room and see that I’m the only woman there, I think, “Okay, cool.”

Being different is good. Embrace it!

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Of course, standing out comes with its share of challenges. You’re under a microscope, and the scrutiny can be a lot to handle.

I’ve learned to choose my words carefully. I’m not an open book to the world. I’ve also learned how to let it go when people get nasty. I do my best to let it roll off.

Sometimes it’s hard to edit yourself, though. Take my Instagram account. I love sharing my day-to-day life with everyone. Last year, after some unkind comments popped up on my photos, I posted this:

“I enjoy letting people see more sides [of] me through social media. But, [it] can be a very dark place. Just because I can’t actually see you and you don’t have to say the words you write to my face, doesn’t mean they aren’t real. This is not me telling you you have to stop, it’s a free world, and I am strong enough to handle it. This is a challenge. Try and take the time you spend on sending out bad energy through your words and say something positive! I try hard every day to see the positive and be positive. It’s not always easy. But it’s a better way. Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions and your actions become who you are. Who do you want to be?”

It’s easier to stay positive and let those comments go if you accept yourself as-is and cut yourself some slack. I’m mostly able to keep negative energy from seeping into my thoughts, because I know myself.

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When you like yourself, you make better personal choices. You have better friendships, better self-care (check-ups, good sleep, eating healthy, etc.) and a more grateful existence.

Find things to do that you truly enjoy, things that make you smile, and work that you look forward to. If you don’t have those things, you’re more likely to feel insecure or down on yourself. You get mean, negative and bitter.

If you’re not focused on doing things that bring you joy, you’re more likely to criticize and judge people. What we see and what we feel is what we project. I’m not perfect, by any means, but I’m self-aware and I try to do my best. If things don’t go your way, you have to be strong and smart enough to say, I’ll get it next time.

Choose to love yourself the way you are right now. It makes all the difference in your outlook.

Challenge yourself! Take the Healthy Driven Challenge now.

Be Health Aware! Take the 5-minute test that could save your life.

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