“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” -Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” -BuddhaI used to think that it was important to be well liked by everyone. So much so that I would try and dress and act like the popular kids in school…even though I knew it wasn’t me.
As I matured, I realized that lifestyle was not really who I was; I wanted to branch out and really pursue things that my peers didn’t understand or care about…which led to me leaving a lot of relationships behind.
But because of that shift, my life is so much better. Everything feels like it serves my highest good and fills me with a sense of gratification.
Letting go of what people thought of me was key to finding real happiness.
But how exactly do you do it?
1. Remember most people don’t care.
That may sound a little harsh, but it’s the truth. Most people are fixated on their own stuff. They are thinking about what they’re going to do after they get off work, what they need to get at the store, the conversations they had with coworkers that day, etc.
Usually, our inner fears and insecurities get projected onto situations, and we tend to imagine people obsessing over us. But actually we’re obsessing over them. Ironic, huh?
Let go!
2. Does it really even matter what they think?
Everyone judges someone the first time they meet them. It’s really easy to do.
People will always have an opinion of whatever it is you do…but does it really matter at the end of the day? No.
How you move through the world and how that squares with your own morals and values is much more important. It’s really all about you, in the end.
3. Your unique offering is important.
Society places great emphasis on uniqueness. We either love or hate those that take a stand and express themselves.
About the worst thing you can do is suppress that natural urge to follow your own heart and embrace your unique expression. Doing this makes you feel isolated and lost in a sea of other people that are doing the same thing: trying to fit in.
Break the mold! Celebrate being YOU.
4. Get comfortable with the unknown.
When people judge us or we stick our neck out to do something, we want to know what other people think of us. But that’s not how it works most of the time.
Often, we really don’t know what they think, exactly. Sure, we can analyze their reactions or think about what they said in hindsight…but in reality, it’s impossible to know.
You have to get comfortable with that lack of knowledge. You have to accept that you’re just doing your best.
5. Live your truth.
You have two options when it comes to your life: be fake or be real.
Lots of people are fake; it’s easy to do. But when you live your truth, it not only serves your highest good, but also those around you. People are uplifted and inspired by those that pursue their dreams and stay true to themselves. It commands respect.
Unapologetically be yourself, and embrace the courage it takes to live a life you’ve always wanted to.
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