You're The Only Expert

When it comes to you, you are the only person who is an expert on you. Everyone else just has bits and pieces of your story, and bases their conclusions of who they think you are on information that may be from the past and currently obsolete,  incomplete, or altogether biased based on their personal perspectives. By all means, people can tell a tree by its fruit, but noone can see everything that the tree is composed of or what it has been through with the naked eye. Therefore, it's impossible to know more about the tree than the tree would know about itself from the outside looking in.

With that being said, the next time somebody tries to tell you about yourself or tell others about you,  and they're incorrect or providing  information that is irrelevant to who you are today, don't worry about it. They're obviously not an authority on you, just like you're not an  authority on them and don't know all of the details that have gone into making them think and behave in all of the ways that they do. However, for those of us who can't just let it slide and have to say something, just tell them that you are the only expert on you and keep it moving. Don't waste your time trying to filter through the details of your being with someone who doesn't even have all of the details.

Lastly, be careful of the company that you keep. Some people don't want you to be more than what they think or say you are, and definitely not more than them. Sadly, it's more comfortable for some to condemn you rather than to accept your growth, especially if you've outgrown them. Unfortunately, that can apply to everyone, including friends and family. But know what you know and don't be bothered. You are the only expert on you.

Be blessed and stay encouraged. I love you.