Don’t let anybody tell you who you are. You tell them who you are.

When people tell you who they are, Maya Angelou famously advised, believe them. Just as importantly, however, when people try to tell you who you are, don’t believe them. You are the only custodian of your own integrity, and the assumptions made by those that misunderstand who you are and what you stand for reveal a great deal about them and absolutely nothing about you.

Don't you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are.

Never let anyone define who you are.

Don't ever be afraid to show who you really are, because as long as you are happy with yourself, no one else's opinion matters.

"I don't try to compete with anybody else. I got to be me. When people who are afraid to be themselves ask me what to do, I tell them, "Don't be a coward. Don't be influenced by other people. You know who you are. If you don't, you need to find out pretty soon. You can't live your life trying to please other people. Go for it!

My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent

you need to know who you are
or you'll be told who you are

loved ones and society can inundate you
with opinions and information

knowing your values can help you navigate the world

find the balance between embracing new ideas
and not being told what to think by others

Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am?

Everyone has a point of view,' Mama used to say to me, 'and everyone is entitled to one. So, don't judge them Leave them alone.

You don't need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are!

"When you're a black woman", her mother said, "ain't no hiding what you are. Day you try, is the day you die. Stand tall, smile bright, and let 'em wonder what secret's making you laugh."

I was once afraid of people saying, “Who does she think she is?” Now I have the courage to stand and say, “This is who I am.

Be true to yourself. You know what’s right. Don’t let someone else decide for you.