Who cares.

Why do you care what other people think about you?

The only opinion that matters is YOURS.

“Who cares what other people think.”

Easier said than done, I know. I used to care a lot about what other people thought of me, and sometimes I still do. I used to wake up everyday and spend at least 30 minutes picking out my outfit, because I wasn’t sure if it would make me blend in or not. Stupid.

There are people in this world who prey on the insecurities of others to feel better about themselves. You can find people like this in business and school and online and anywhere you look. Horrible bosses and cyberbullies and face-to-face get-in-your-face bullies and total strangers and even your friends. Middle school and high school are containers for self doubt and judgement. I tried to be “cool” so other people liked me. Let the opinions of others weigh on my conscience and guide my actions like a puppeteer. I let my self-doubt proliferate and grow and pull t my heart strings and crush my kind spirit and eagerness to create. What if people didn’t like what I did/said? Or even worse...what if they don’t like me ?

Fact: THERE ARE GOING TO BE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO DON’T LIKE YOU. That’s okay. Being a people-pleaser is exhausting. What’s not exhausting is doing what’s best for you. Let your purpose fuel your passion.

Be yourself. Do the things you love. Raise your hand and ask your question (someone else is probably wondering the same thing). Wear clothes that make you stand out instead of blend in. Be creative. Pitch an idea to  your executive director. Start a business. Take initiative.

The truth is this: The only opinion that matters is yours.

Because if it’s something you truly believe in or want to do, your friends and family should support you. Your community should support you. It doesn’t matter whether or not they agree with you, they should let you take the lead in your own life and give you space to fail or succeed. If they don’t? Screw them. You were born to stand out. Let your differences make you shine. Wake up in the morning and smell the roses of reality. If that reality is wasn’t you like: brew yourself a fresh cup of IDGAF.

Kindness and care,

Chloe