What other people think is none of your business
Listen to Your Still Small Voice Within
In preparing for an upcoming course I’m teaching, I was reminded of the lesson that speaks of the Divine spirit being found not in an all-powerful, cacophonous presence, but rather in a kol d’mama, a “still, small voice”. Every single time I hear these words, it stops me in my tracks. And then I find myself taking a long slow exhale and getting quiet, turning inward. Every single time. Even if just for a moment or two.
So often we look outside of ourselves to help us figure out what we’re supposed to think, how we’re supposed to feel, and what’s the best thing to do in a given situation. We spend so much time concerning ourselves with what other people think about us, that we forget ourselves in the process. We spend so much energy trying to get inside other peoples’ heads in order to be sure we know what they’re thinking about us, that we neglect to get clear about what WE think about ourselves. What matters to us. The whispers within us that we need to listen to.
Well, here’s the thing—
What other people think of you is none of your business!
Take a breath and sit with that for a moment.
When someone tells you anything about you (even a sweet compliment), they’re giving you information about THEM, not about you. They like your outfit—that tells you about their preference. They suggest you should go to graduate school—that tells you about their thoughts and opinions. They tell you you’re looking in the wrong places to meet your future partner—that tells you what they believe they know about the topic. What they think you should do, be, have, etc. is about them, not about you. What they think is THEIR business, not yours.
Well, here’s another thing—
What YOU think of you is 100% your business!