I have rough edges. I'm aware of this. I'm not Mary Poppins by any means. I can tell you that I'm a pretty good mom and my kids think I'm awesome.
I was insulted by someone who doesn't even really know me today, and it's really got me pondering a lot of things. First, I get that to someone who isn't friends with me, maybe I can come off as less than warm and fuzzy. Second, I don't care if I come off that way. I am not suffering for lack of friends, so someone must find me tolerable. I'm not 16 anymore, and I'm not going to be something I'm not for the sake of other people's approval. I also realize that the person with the negative opinion isn't even someone whose opinion I value, so why would I waste my time trying to change their mind?
Something cool I learned from my sponsor a long time ago is that what other people think of me is none of my business. This is incredibly good insight. I am never going to make everyone happy. That's not my responsibility. I'm not out to irritate or offend anyone, but I will. We all will. Somewhere out there is someone who dislikes each of us. Enormously. Do we dwell on this? Do we live in the world of Monica Geller-hyphen-Bing where we can't stand it if someone doesn't adore us? Years ago this would have bugged me endlessly. I would have sucked it up and done everything I could to make someone like me or change their opinion of me. I don't have the interest or the time & energy to pursue that kind of pointless effort anymore. Cheers!
5 comments:
preach it girl. everyone's standards and opinions differ so greatly these days it would be exhausting to try and keep up with everyone's opinions. While it is nice to be liked, appreciated, even admired for our traits, personalities etc... who cares. If we're living up to His expectations that is all that matters. I think of myself as Suzie Homemaker slash Juno. :P
First of all...Monica Geller hyphen Bing references always make me smile, please make more of them. Second, someone doesn't like you? I think they have made NO effort to know your heart or appreciate your sense of humor! I cherish you!
Love, Big Fat Goalie
I'm one of those that dies at the thought someone doesn't like me...although I know there are plenty who don't.
Good for you, it is a great attitude to have that you can just accept that not everyone will like you.
sorry that you were disrespected though, that stinks.
oh, and I love you, that's all that matters anyway. HA!
The longing for acceptance/approval continues long past the teen years... It can be a tough thing, but hooray for realizing that quite frankly it doesn't matter! I am who I am in Christ, and people's opinions are irrelevant.
Poop on him/her for insulting you! No one can mess with a friend of mine! :) I like the insight about "what other people think of me is none of my business" -- that's really true and important to believe. I've never approached it that way. Thanks for that tip! Love you Shay!
Post a Comment