How I Overcame Decades of Self-Doubt & Stopped Trying to Fit In #229

I used to be very quiet. Growing up, emotions would hit me like a hurricane. My face would turn red, my heart would race, and my hands, well, they'd shake as if I'd had ten cups of coffee. I’d be drowning in my own sweat. All of this from the tender age of 12 till I was 33. What sparked these reactions? My physical appearance. We live in a world where being different feels like a curse. Everyone's supposed to look a certain way act a certain way, and any deviation from the norm is met with criticism. Society's idea of 'fitting in' got its claws in me big time. People had a lot to say about how I looked. From friends to family, it seemed like everyone had an opinion: "Eat more," "Bulk up," "You look too skinny." These comments weren't just annoying - they scarred me. Over time, I became hyper-aware of every little thing about me. Mirrors became my enemy. I'd obsessively check my reflection, always wondering if I was 'good enough.' This need to conform ate away at my confidence. I compared myself to everyone around me. Instead of celebrating my uniqueness, I felt like I had to hide it. I was quiet, reserved, and, some might say, introverted. Those voices - those external judgments - made me retreat into my shell. My insecurities were so deep-rooted that I fell into a drug spiral. Yep, I experimented with various drugs: ecstasy, MDMA, ketamine (a horse tranquilizer), cocaine, marijuana... The feeling of being trapped, lost, and desperate to fit in became a never-ending loop in my life. But from that mess, something clicked. All those years of battling with my image made me realize how crucial it is to love ourselves. It's not about big biceps, ripped abs, or whatever. It's about looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see.  That’s why I’m sharing this now and why I am so fiercely passionate. For so many years, I wrestled with these demons, and now, I want to help others find their voice, embrace their uniqueness, and, above all, love themselves.  So, if you've been where I've been, feeling down on yourself, trying to meet some weird standard, Join me for this episode, and let me help you love the heck out of yourself! Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Enjoy your own company (00:00) Give me some love (02:41) What you focus on expands (06:08) Luke’s live events (10:00) Luke used to be very quiet… trying to fit in with the crowd (12:18) How Luke quit cocaine (23:04) Don’t wait for permission to shine (26:54) What would you say to your younger self? (31:42) Why Luke is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams (37:27) Be the captain of your destiny (44:04) Additional Resources: 🎤 JOIN MY NEXT LIVE EVENT HERE  🤝 To work with me, book your Brainstorm Call here - - -  👉 Check out ⁠my website⁠ 👉 Join my ⁠Facebook Group⁠ 👉 Check out my ⁠YouTube channel⁠  - - - Reach out to me on social media: 🔹 Twitter  🔹 Instagram  🔹 Instagram podcast   🔹 Facebook   - - - 💬 To get started, DM me on Instagram with the words "I want inner peace" - - - The Luke Mind Power Podcast is an empowering show committed to helping you unlock your full potential and transform your life. Follow the podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode! BENEFITS DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not substitute professional medical and health advice. Luke is not a psychologist or holds any degrees from university. Luke Chlebowicz's approach and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. We, of course, want the best results for you, and the Information provided by this podcast or our company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. ⁠🔹 ⁠TERMS OF SERVICE⁠