Not Going To Pretend Anymore and I don't have to wait for a New Year's Resolution!

Was it an epiphany or a "light bulb" moment? Honestly, it doesn't really matter what drives a person to take a hard look at themselves but what is important is that they do get real with themselves.
Recently, I woke up to realize that I was a guy in his early 40's who hasn't been honest with himself! Am I saying that I haven't had a good life? Of course not. I have experienced some wonderful moments along this journey that we call life, but in recent years, I have because less and less true to myself and that is the worse thing you could ever do to yourself.
I don't want to wake up when I'm 80 and look back with regrets and lament over the things I could have done or should have done in my life.
You see, I have been the "people pleasing" type that always tries to be the encourager, the shock absorber and the one who tries to be the one who makes everything right.... But ya know what? Life is messy and it ain't always pretty and the most cruel thing you can do to yourself is to "smile and pretend" as you stumble through life. One thing I've learned is that people are not going to love me more by always being a "yes man" who doesn't speak his mind. So, I hope this can help you to because I'm starting my New Year's Resolution early this year and have decided to let the real me shine and to totally be real and authentic. This doesn't mean you become a blunt person who hurts people's feelings....On the contrary! But what it does mean is that you are going to stop being dishonest with yourself when you go about life and not being assertive, honest and always true to yourself! My journey begins today and I look forward to letting myself and others see the real me! Otherwise, just as my picture reflects, I am only half of a person. I wish you all well and your upvotes are always appreciated!