Lately I have been having a rough time accepting myself and allowing myself to be happy. I didn't have such positive empowering influences over the years and I am constantly vying for approval in an unhealthy way. I don't know why I think putting up a front and essentially living a fake life is going to gain approval from others, but I have been doing it for a long time now. I don't know what it's going to take for me to stop standing in my own way, and that's where I am now.