Does it really matter what others think of you? Let's explore this idea...  

     First, let's look at possible reasons why we might care what others think of us. Perhaps it's because we either consciously or sub-consciously are seeking something from others?

     Have you ever noticed what happens to teenagers (or remember being a teenager) when they wanted something like borrowing the car? They suddenly do strange things like tidy up the house, actually carry on a conversation with their parents and are even nice to their siblings. They act how they think their parents want them to so that they can get what they want - even though might feel totally different.

    What if you did not want anything from anybody? What if you totally did not care if you fit in, were appreciated, or accepted? What if you loved and believed in yourself so much that it just didn't matter if anyone loved you back?

     Now, exactly why is it none of your business what others think of you? Let's seek some wisdom from Brittney Spears...

    Now, be honest what thoughts just popped into your head? Most guys might think "hey baby, can I polish your rhinestones?" A real live woman might wish she could look that great after having a kid - a starving supermodel might think Brit should lose 30 pounds while someone else thinks she too thin and should eat cookie! (I personally was wondering what happened to the rest of her outfit...did the dog eat it?)

     What should Britt do? The media went nuts over this performance, even going so far as to call her a "fat cow" or something to this effect. Is it even possible for Brittney to ever be the perfect size to please everyone who looks at her? Just the other day the media was criticizing her for looking too good and showing it off in a "bikini that leaves nothing to the imagination."    

     Everyone is looking at Brittney and judging her from the filter of their perception which is made up of their experiences in life. How people judge Brittney really has more to do with themselves than the actual shape of Brittney's body.

    Ultimately you have no control how others  perceive you. How can it possibly be your business what other people think of you? Trying to make others happy all the time is a fabulous way to end up on Prozac or on Dr. Phil.

     Now, there are defiantly times when you can really learn and grow from feedback from others if you have an open mind and a desire to. But your happiness and freedom grow the more that you follow your own heart and dreams and the less that you try to please others and win their approval and appreciation.

     Get out your day planner, where are you penciled in? Look, how much time is set aside for your work, your kids, your partner...everything but you? How much time do you have set aside to follow your dreams or even just walk and think about what you really want out of life?     

     A great way to tune into what you really want is to ask yourself questions like "What would I love to do today?" and "What's important to me?" These powerful little questions can shift instantly shift you into happiness and action to create what you want.

To fun, freedom and the unapologetic pursuit of happiness!

~Jez

P.S. You are welcome to email me directly at Jezebel@Beer4Her.com