“Why be afraid of what people will say? Those who care about you will say, “Good luck!” and those who care only about themselves will never say anything worth listening to anyway.”–J. Z. Knight
Who Cares What People Say?
As you walk a path that is all your own, you won’t always have a cheering section. The road to success can be lonely at times, littered only with people who want to change your course. You may be judged, discouraged and even called a fool. But who will you choose to live for?
Your inner being is your own personal GPS, guiding you and only you to YOUR destiny. This guidance system won’t leave you or lead you astray. Just listen in the stillness and you’ll see it with your mind’s eye, hear it with your heart, and feel in every fiber of your being. This is your guidance system—not your mother’s, father’s, spouse’s or friend’s. It is yours.
Countless people throughout your life, with both good and not-so-good intentions, may want you to live in accordance with their guidance; but there is no substitute for experience. Nobody can learn your life lessons for you, make your decisions better than you, or create your reality for you. You are the best, and the only, person for the job. Remember this when the pressure is on, when surrounded by teachers, preachers, parents, and friends who want to guide you in their own ways. Remember to focus on the joy of your uniqueness despite their unwillingness to do the same. In such times, saying no to others may be the only way to say yes to what is right for you. After all, personal growth comes from personal experience. Self improvement comes from the efforts of self.
Differences, mistakes, choices, individuality—this is the stuff of life. Dare to look at the big picture of who you are and what your life is all about. You are not your race, career, or marital status. You are not your religion, income or sexuality. You are so very much more. You are a living, breathing, learning, growing manifestation of All-That-Is. Every step of your life—the good and bad, the achievements and mistakes—come together perfectly in the eyes of Source.
No matter what people say, you are a perfectly-created, unique, magnificent, shining light in this world. Always remember to let that light shine. Be proud of who you are, what you do, and wherever you are on your path at any moment. Let no one dim your light. Stay out of the shade.
Related Inspirational Thoughts Blog Posts
Photo credit: Hepfeld
Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.
If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching
Hi, I'm Nea. As a 
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 14 comments }
Good stuff Nea!
I dug it when you wrote: “saying no to others may be the only way to say yes to what is right for you”!!
I agree that you have to charge forward at times leaving the negative folks behind but any thoughts on when it is a good idea to embrance people’s feedback to ensure your work is relevant?
Thx!
Hi Ryan. Thanks for your comment. There are definitely times when we want to consider the opinions of others. You’ve asked a thought provoking question and it will be addressed in an upcoming blog post.
I especially agree with the part about experience being the best teacher. While you can take advice from others, the only way to learn is to live your life. No one else can do that for you, no matter how hard they try.
I use to be the type to say yes to others all the time. It always turned out that people who wanted to “help” me actually had some kind of dream they wanted to live through me.
However, there are a lot of times when it is wise to follow someone else’s advice. There are people who have credibility in what they have to offer.
Hi Moses. There is indeed room to consider the advice of others. It’s hard to know when you’re going overboard, but I will address this in an upcoming article.
Hi Nea,
You have put together a fine selection of inspirational thoughts. As I was reading through them, some thoughts crossed my mind which I shall now share.
One of the greatest lessons I had to learn was to think and decide for myself. From young I always listened to the advice of others thinking that they knew better. I always deferred to their experience and wisdom. But this was really due to a lack of self-confidence in me and a refusal to take charge of my own life. As a result, I was never really happy. I did not really live my life the way I wanted to. Things changed when I decided to take charge and decide for myself. I still listen carefully to advice, but I always make up my own mind after considering the advice that I am given carefully. Even if I do not always make the best choices, at least I know I am the one making the choices and I can adapt as needed to the situation.
Thank you for sharing this lovely article!
Irving the Vizier
Many people find it difficult to balance listening to others with independent thought, but it sounds like you’re doing a great job. I love that you don’t close your mind to the advice of others. You said you listen and give careful consideration to others’ advice, while in the end making the choice that you feel is best. Great!!
i have always believed that not caring about the opinion of others can raise self confidence and help us grow
thank you Nea for your post:)
Thank you Farouk. Few things compare to having (and using) a mind of your own.
Hello Nea, I’ve always had that attitude and I think I’m more successfully at living it than most – who cares indeed!
However, deep down I think we all care to some extent. That is our natural impulse. We have a biological need to belong. Despite that we need to do all these things you describe to override that impulse and live our own lives first. Nobody else can get into our head. In that regard we are truly alone.
I used to be such a freak about what people thought, it was sickening. But now I figure I am who I am and if they don’t like it well, to bad. Great post
Sounds like you’ve developed self confidence over the years. Good for you!
That is really good. I especially liked “Nobody can learn your life lessons for you, make your decisions better than you, or create your reality for you.”
Great job!
Donald
thanks for this thoughts that you have given us Nea. it surely help builds confidence and emotional stability of an individual. keep articles like this coming. already bookmarked your blog.
You’re so very welcome and I thank you for commenting.
Comments on this entry are closed.