What Will Other People Think of Me?

One of the things I have come to realise is one of the main fears that is holding people back from living a fulfilling life is worrying or being fearful about “What will other people think of me?”. Yes, I have been guilty of this in the past as well, however a while back I heard the quote “What other people think of me is none of my business” by Dr Wayne Dyer. That got me reflecting and I journalled… What is it or who is it in me that needs or wants approval?

As I journalled over time, I realised it was more my mind or mind-made identity (ego) that needed approval and cared what other people thought of me more than my true self. My true self or authentic self really had no need for approval from other people and as Byron Katie says, “what I think and what I feel is my business. What you think and what you feel is your business.” When I’m worried about how you feel about me, I’m in your business. And if I’m busy living in your business, how am I present for my own business? Also – worrying about what other people think of you may be saying “Your opinion of me is more important than my opinion of myself.” Don’t get me wrong, I still care about other people and their opinions, however I now value what I think of myself and trust my own intuition alot more than I did.

I wonder what life would look life if we didn’t give other people’s opinions as much energy as we do? Maybe we would have the time and energy to give to our self and reflect on our own opinions of ourselves? For example – am I happy? Am I living in the present or living in the past? Are the decisions I am making for my highest good and for the people around me?

Next time you are worried about what other people think of you – you may like to keep in mind the following quotes:

  • “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss
  • “‘What will they think of me?’ must be put aside for bliss.” ~ Joseph Campbell
  • “Patterning your life around others’ opinions is nothing more than slavery.” ~ Lawana Blackwell
  • “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” ~ Mark Twain
  • “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” ~ Steve Jobs
  • “Don’t Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” ~ Don Miguel Ruiz
  • “I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others” ~ Marcus Aurelius

 

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