“The eyes of others our prisons; their thoughts our cages.” ― Virginia Woolf

Are you worried about living the life that you want to live and need to live because of what other people may think about you? Are you worried that you cannot live up to their standards so you end up not being true to yourself as a result? Are you afraid to show yourself and your gifts for the sake of being afraid of encountering someone who won’t like or approve of you? That is no way to live – and you deserve better.

How to Stop Caring What Other People Think Of You

As Tyra Banks said, “Never dull your shine for somebody else.” In other words, the thing to do in order to be true to yourself is to not care what other people think of you. How can you do that? Let’s go over 5 ways right now.

1. Negative Comments People Make About You Are About Them

Let’s face it. When you are feeling good about yourself, you are not going to go around saying nasty things about others. And any criticism you may have of anyone would be for valid reasons and you would also be diplomatic about presenting them. Either way, you would never make a nasty comment. But those who go out of their way saying nasty things about you whether it is to your face or to others are a true reflection of them. They are unhappy with themselves and project their dissatisfaction with themselves onto you. It is not about you!

2. Remember You Are Only Living One Life

If you are not living your truth because of fear that someone else will not approve, there is one thing to remind yourself of: this is the only life you have … and the only life you are living. There are no do-overs. Are you willing to sacrifice what is true to you just to please someone else? Trust me – you’d regret it! You’re not getting any younger. Live the life YOU want to live!

3. Think About The Worst-Case Scenario

What is the worst possible thing that could happen if you do something that makes you happy and you live your truth? What is it that you are afraid of? Sit with it, and imagine the worst-case scenario if you were to live your life to the fullest and someone did not like it. If you are afraid of upsetting a friend or someone else, remember that someone who cares about you would want you to be happy. And a true friend would be your friend no matter what. But if you lose someone because you choose to live your true life, then they were never your friend, to begin with, right?

4. Remove Those Who Are Toxic

Anyone who will chastise you for you living your true life is not worth being in your life. And if that even means you need to remove family that is unsupportive and that will only bring toxicity, then so be it. You are better off alone if it means you being true to yourself. Learn more about how to deal with toxic people at QueenBeeing.com. 

5. Opinions Are Like A**holes – And Everybody’s Got One

As the great Salt n Pepa told us back in 1993, “Opinions are like assholes and everybody’s got one!” So remember this: if someone shares their opinion with you, you’re not required to take their thoughts as fact. Certainly, you can consider the opinions of people who are very close to you and who have been supportive, and who have your back. If they say something is not a good idea, you can listen to them if you choose to – but even then it does not mean to accept it. Just keep an open mind as their opinions do matter because they are looking out for your wellbeing. But for others who are not important, forget them. They have no say in how you live your life. That’s all you, baby!

If you’re struggling with choosing to live your best life because others around you don’t seem to approve of it, it’s never easy. After all, only a psychopath wouldn’t worry about how others feel. But in this case? It’s really your choice, and as long as you’re not hurting anyone (including yourself!), please, go out there and live the life you truly want and deserve! You are the one who is living your life and no one else.