I care way too much about what people think of me. It has been a problem for me, as long as I can remember. From the way I walk, talk, dress, raise my kids, my marriage, and everything in between, I let people have that power over me.
People do not realize they have that kind of power, but they do. When they whisper about you, never say kind things about you, or acknowledge your achievements, all of that affects you. Well, it does for me. We are humans, and we want and need approval for everything.
When I leave my house to run to the store, I look in the mirror at least three times to make sure I look decent enough; in case I run into someone I know. When I get my kids dressed, I make sure they look acceptable; because what will people think of me if my kids are not matching! When I post on social media, I have to make sure everything is perfect, because you know everyone is perfect and have perfect lives, so mine has to be perfect too!
I have recently started this blog, which has been huge for me. I am out of my comfort zone, and every time I write a post, I re-read it multiple times, dwell on it, and question what people will think. I think, am I going to hurt feelings? Is someone going to disagree? Is my writing too bland? I exhaust myself thinking of how much I stress, trying to seek approval.
Why do we do this? Why do we care so much about what others think of us? Honestly, the only person we should be seeking approval from is God. Nothing or no one even matters.
Today, I am turning over a new leaf. I am going to stop worrying about everyone else and what people will think, and worry about myself, my happiness, my family, and what my Heavenly Father will think of me.
“Life is too short to be anything but happy!” –Abhishek Shukla.
