We’re all guilty of caring too much about what others think of us, or at least we have at some point in our lives. It’s not our fault, that’s just how we are programmed as humans. We worry what people think if we say the wrong thing, or do something embarrassing. We hide parts of ourselves away because we fear the opinions of others. Personally, I’ve never been the most self-confident person, and I am incredibly guilty of caring too much about what people think of me. Or at least I used to. Recently, I realized that life is too short to care about the opinions of people who have no direct impact on your life. Since I stopped caring about them and focusing on what I think of myself, my life has improved immensely.
(Photo by Jennifer Tunberg)
I wear things I never thought I would.
Body confidence has been a huge issue for me ever since the young age of 10. I’ve never worn anything too “revealing” (I use this very loosely) because I don’t have the body that society deems acceptable. When I silenced the little voice in my head that would tell me that everyone was judging me and realized I was the only one whose opinion mattered, that changed. I wear what makes me feel good, clothes that make me feel confident instead of hiding behind baggy clothing. I wear my bikini proudly, instead of covering up as much as possible when I hit the beach.
I speak my mind.
I used to worry that people would think I sounded stupid, or I was always afraid to stand up for myself because I worried about how it affected others. Now I say what is on my mind (within reason), and I don’t let anyone step on me. I’m not afraid to ask for help out of fear of seeming lost, because what good is it if I don’t understand something? I am my own person.
(Photo by Gianne Karla Tolentino)
I am happier.
You don’t really realize how much you hold yourself back when you let opinions keep you down. I do things I love because I want to, and I don’t care if people think they are dumb or pointless. I wholeheartedly show my love for my favorite band and hobbies because they are who I am and I shouldn’t have to hold back because people think those things aren’t “cool” or that they’re “weird”.
Don’t let what anyone thinks keep you from being you, because you are awesome. If the world can’t see that, well then maybe they’re the ones who need to change the way they think, not you.
(thumbnail courtesy of Morgan Sessions)