I completely agree. Placing so much importance on what others think is a killer. Being your authentic self is key to self-expression. I spent so long but even knowing how to do that, how to be myself. The slogan "Know thyself" opened up a can of worms for me and started a long journey of self-exploration, and with that came greater self-expression including improved speech, and more inner calm (after a load of turmoil). And the more true to your authentic self you are, the less other people's opinions matter.