I used to, like most people, worry about the opinions of others. In some ways many of us live our lives for others instead of ourselves. I am guilty of allowing this to happen to myself as well. However, my thinking has changed, I no longer give much thought to outside opinion. How we dress, how we look, how we portray ourselves on social media is often times only done for others. The selfies, the filters, all of it.
Now, when I say care less, I don’t mean going around doing or saying whatever the hell you want with disregard for others feelings. I mean that you shouldn’t allow the judgments of others to rule every thing you do. If, for example, you honestly like a particular pair of jeans, that’s fine. But if you purchase the jeans to impress someone, to make others like you more, well that’s your ego. Your ego always wants to be better, smarter, and richer than the next person. But you’re in luck. You are not your ego. Your ego has a mind of its own, your only job is to recognize when it’s there, and then tell it to stop.
Looking back, there was a time when I felt the majority of the things I did were for others. Working out to look a certain way, buying cool clothes, and posting about every little thing. It was quite exhausting. Of course working out is great for you, we should all exercise. But when it becomes obsessive to maintain a certain image, well that’s your ego, again. Our society has created this idea that health equals a perfect bikini body. Some people don’t even want to put on a swimsuit because they don’t look a certain way. Now, if they cared a little less about the opinions of others, they might be able to enjoy a perfect day at the beach. Imagine not thinking “I hope I look ok” once, that entire day. Freedom.
So how do I do it then? How did I let all of that go? Spirituality is key. It has helped me grow tremendously over the past several years. Spirituality after all, is simply the end of suffering. I realized that I actually have complete control of what I do with my thoughts. This doesn’t mean I never have insecure thoughts, it means that I disregard the thoughts, I let them pass, or tell them “no”. This has helped me buy less stuff too! I don’t feel an obligation to keep us as much. I still buy clothes, but I discovered I feel more comfortable and happy in casual attire now. I don’t mind repeating outfits frequently either. This of course can apply to more than just clothes. I’m just giving you an example of one of the ways in which I care less.
So today, try going for comfort when you pick an outfit, what makes you truly happy and cozy. Headed to the gym? How about putting less pressure on yourself and just enjoying your work out for what it is. Social media, we can’t avoid. Today, try not posting, not checking in, or if you want to post, then ask yourself, “Why am I posting this?”
I hope I made you think about something different today. I want you to be a happier you, let go of what others think, and live today for yourself.
Have a peaceful, happy day.
thepeacefulhappyvegan 