“When you stop living your life based on what others think of you real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self-acceptance opened.”

– Shannon L. Alder

Kabir – The couplet
भक्ति भेष बहु अंतरा, जैसे धरणि आकाष |

भक्ति लीन गुरु चरण में, भेष जगत की आस ||

Transliterated:
Bhakti bheSh bahu antara, jaise dharani akaas |

Bhakti leen Guru charan me, bheSh jagat ki aas ||

Translation:
The is a difference between being devoted and wearing a devotee’s dress – as between the sky and earth |
Devotion comes at the Teacher’s feet – the dress is to impress the rest of the world ||

My understanding:
Our daily actions are normally driven by how we want others to perceive us, or by our effort to be what others expect us to be. But all this achieves is that we become a reflection of our perception of others – which is true neither to our self or to the other. To be truly myself is when I can be honest and free – which is the only way to let my internal light shine through. When I present myself as myself, and not a reflection of someone or something else, I will always find acceptance – and the world will reciprocate back with true value for me.