Your fortnightly 1-2-3: Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.

Tension Point

“People always tell me to just be myself—but what if parts of ‘myself’ aren’t healthy or helpful? What if who I am right now isn’t who I want to stay?”

Talking Point

We’ve all seen the slogans: “Be yourself,” “You do you,” “Everyone else is taken.” The idea is empowering on the surface—embrace who you are, don’t pretend, live authentically. And yes, there’s something good in that.

But the phrase “just be yourself” can sometimes do more harm than good—especially when it becomes an excuse to stop growing. What if “yourself” is impatient, defensive, entitled or harsh with words under pressure? What if the current version of you is insecure, reactive, or just stuck? Is it still good advice to stay exactly the way you are?

Even Jesus, though perfect and without sin, grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and people (Luke 2:52). If growth was part of His journey, how much more must it be part of ours?

Being “yourself” isn’t a full stop. It’s a comma. Be yourself, yes—but then keep going. Be the best version of yourself. Grow in grace. Identify areas where maturity is needed. Recognise habits and attitudes that need to change. Embrace who you are, but also who you’re becoming.

Authenticity is not the end goal - transformation is.

Truth to Ponder

Embracing who you are is not the same as embracing who you can become.

True self-love isn’t permission to stay unchanged—it’s the motivation to grow. And as believers, we don’t walk that growth journey alone. The Holy Spirit works in us to shape us, refine us, and help us reflect more of Christ over time.

So yes, be honest about who you are—but don’t settle. Let God continue the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Be yourself—but let Him lead you to become more.