The Final Yes Comes From Me

For years, I lived for others—the ultimate people-pleaser, always eager to say “yes” to everyone but myself. But during my recent dive on November 23-24 in Mabini, Batangas (thanks Maximum Freediving), the stillness of the ocean gave me a rare chance to think deeply about what truly matters. I realized how much of myself I’ve been giving away, trying to fit into expectations that weren’t mine to begin with. That dive reminded me that I don’t need external validation to feel worthy. What I need is to say “yes” to me.

Watching my mermaid videos in my Instagram reels sparked the same reflection. At first, I felt conscious of my big belly—an imperfection I thought might make me less of a mermaid in the eyes of others. But who decided that mermaids have to be slim? Confidence, I realized, isn’t about meeting expectations; it’s about owning your truth. I’ve decided to embrace my unconventional image because every curve and imperfection tells a story about me.

This journey to self-acceptance has been as much about my mental health as my physical self. Living with Bipolar II isn’t easy, and I know not everyone will understand. But the power of owning it is immense. It has taught me that imperfection isn’t a weakness—it’s a bridge to deeper understanding, both of myself and of those who choose to stay.

Now, I’m saying yes to myself first. Approval, I’ve learned, needs to come from within. Constructive criticism can be valuable, but the ultimate “yes” has to come from me. This shift in mindset is what truly empowers me to live authentically and confidently.

So stop waiting for others to say yes to who you are. Say it to yourself. Embrace your imperfections, your quirks, your struggles—they’re not obstacles; they’re the foundation of your power.