(136) One Sure Way to REALLY Not Care What People Think (About You)

Fact: The need to survive is coded into our DNA.

Fact: We are social creatures, and social acceptance is a part of our survival.

Fact: You care what people think. Me too, which is why it feels like we have to push our best and cover the rest. And it is why so many of us dive into that vast ocean of cool clothing, shoes and accessories.

We just want to be liked, accepted or at least included and hate being questioned, judged or criticized (because these feel like we are being pushed away).

At one time, my need for acceptance was so strong that I would anxiously watch those around me, afraid I would say or do something wrong.

My stomach ached, even as I loudly proclaimed, “I don’t care what they think!”

Freedom - for some

Would it surprise you that some people are free of all this? They easily express who they are, no matter who they are with (parent, boss, preacher), and they do it in an easy, not rebellious, way.

They never feel defensive about what they think or how they look or act; in fact, they even remain comfortable under the direct judgment of others.

3 Steps to Freedom

1. The louder someone says they don't care, the more they do. Admit that you care what people think. Repeat it mentally and verbally until the reality shines through.

2. Also answer these three questions:

A) What clothes do you wear to help you fit into your world (those that say I am a student, office or construction worker, biker or soccer mom)?

B) What products or accessories do you use to improve the basic you?

C) What part(s) of your body do you disguise or hide (e.g., a crooked tooth, balding, wide hips)?

3. Now, gather your courage and go out into the world without one piece of identifying clothing, or without one product or without covering or hiding that part of your body.

Go out with less mask and more You.

But wait! The fastest way to gain that remarkable inner strength is slowly. Leaving too many items at home can bring up too many negative feelings about what others think.

… it’s the fear of those feelings that keep us locked in to who we are not.

But every time we face those feelings, and feel them, we grow stronger and come closer to that miracle of complete self-acceptance.

And the reward for stepping out that door with such courage? Increased inner strength - every time (even when it does not feel that way) and a step closer to that miraculous ability to be who you are, no matter who you are with.

NOTE - If it seems as if I am down on cool clothing, sparkling accessories and awesome products, I am not. I think those that make us feel special, feel cared for and feel good ought to be used in abundance while trashing those we hope will bring us greater acceptance, admiration and love.

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