Don’t Let Anyone Else’s Opinion Define Who You Are

I used to be very aware and very conscious of what others opinions were of me, a little too conscious of it actually, and at times I still am, but I’ve realized that those opinions do not define me.  It’s those closest to me that really know who I am and it is their opinions and advice that have the biggest impact.  I can’t control every comment or opinion that comes my way but I can choose to not allow it to affect me negatively or to change my life direction.

No matter what the circumstances or environment we all have the choice to live either positively or negatively.  I choose positive and happy over negative and unhappy easily every time.  I know that is very easy to say but can be very difficult to do for some.  I’ve always had a positive outlook on life and I’ve always been very motivated, driven and impatient to get to the next phase.

Although it’s the “in between” where the tests, challenges and lessons that come our way are meant to teach, to build and to shape us into who we are meant to be. 

Challenges don’t just reveal character they build it.

I believe that each milestone of our age we can discover many things:

1)      A new understanding to old problems

2)      A greater focus on the bigger picture

3)      A more direct approach in life

4)      Less concern with quantity, more quality

5)      Deeper form of Contentment, Balance and Peace

I always used to think that I needed to get everything I wanted done when I was younger and now that I’m a little older I see the insignificance of that belief.  It’s just not my focus anymore and there are so many other things that I’ve developed an appreciation for that I never would have thought possible.

I spent my 20’s playing around, doing whatever I wanted, when I wanted.

I spent my 30’s trying to get my grounding and figure out where I was going, who I was.

I’m now in my 40’s and have found that all the things I was concerned with in my 20’s and 30’s seem so irrelevant now.  I’ve learned that my greater focus is on achieving all the levels of Contentment and enjoying all the great people in my life.  I’m looking forward to the many more impactful people I will encounter as I go along my path.  I always hear from others that have experienced more life than myself about how much better it gets as we get older and seeing how content they are encourages me to look forward to it.