What people think

July 31, 2017

who-am-I

This can be a very hard lesson, indeed. Because many times we’re driven by what people think of us. Even if we’re not conscious of it.

People see us through their own filters: their likes, dislikes, insecurities, talents–all of it.

Some try to manipulate how people see them.

Look at some of the image management going on in social media circles. So much posturing. Sometimes so transparent.

But we really aren’t what people think of us, are we? We’re only what we are.

And those two things can be very different.

13 comments on “What people think
  1. Jennifer Dunham says:

    Staying positive about yourself can be a real challenge, if you worry about what others are thinking of you. So important to appreciate who YOU are. AND LIKE YOURSELF!

  2. shelley says:

    That realization that people do view us through filters that we can’t control is huge! For me, it meant that I could finally shrug off the folks who didn’t like or approve of me and not take it personally. Shame it often takes so many years to get to that point.

  3. Donna says:

    I know my thoughts aren’t real…they are just thoughts, and only God knows my heart. So??? Not sure where it all leaves me…

  4. So true Carol – and something I’m still working on every day. I think I’ve gotten past other people’s judgements and then I cop something from left field and realize there’s still a child inside me seeking approval – I guess I’m a work in progress!

  5. Karen Austin says:

    This is a great reminder. I’ve been retreating from social invitations lately as a way to avoid being criticized. But if I don’t accept your advice, I’m going to be a hermit! But that being said, staying home more is increasing my time to read, write, and (dare I admit it) tidy up things at home.

  6. Haralee says:

    Yes indeed. I think many of us have had someone tell us good or bad what they thought of us and to me it is often surprising!Was I bitchy, or professional or supportive? If someone says so I must own it and look at the situation from their perspective.

  7. That’s a great quote and an important reminder. We waste too much time worrying about what other people think when we should just be worrying about what we do.

  8. Jennifer says:

    I used to be afraid of what people thought of me…thinking I owned that experience. But now I understand that if someone makes fun of me then it’s their failing, not mine that is causing this reaction. Took me 50 years to learn that lesson.

  9. Ellen Dolgen says:

    Love that quote. It is important for us all to stay true to ourselves no matter what others may think or feel.

  10. Laurie Stone says:

    One of the great parts of getting older is caring less what people think. By this age (in my early 60’s), I am who I am, for better or worse. There’s something comforting in that.

  11. I am currently reading Playing Big by Tara Mohr and her chapter on unhooking from praise and criticism is worth its weight in gold.

  12. You’re so right about how we can be manipulated by the constant barrage of photos that do not always tell the truth about people.

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