Other People’s Opinions Are Not Your Responsibility

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This is going to be short and sweet, but it’s an important topic. One that many of you (if not all of you) can probably relate to because let’s face it - we all want to be liked, right? To at least some extent, we all want love and acceptance in our lives.

But one of the biggest lessons I've learned is that ultimately you will never be able to control other people or their reactions. You're in charge of how YOU act, how you speak, how you listen, & how you respond.

Depending on the circumstance, this can apply to relationships, friendships, and strangers alike. Sometimes, all we can do is acknowledge the other person, speak our truth, set healthy boundaries, and take a step back. It's not our job or responsibility to try to change someone or fix them. We can’t necessarily make them think differently or believe something else just because we want them to. Or even because it’s right.

It happens. I've been guilty of it, too. But the truth is that once you've said your piece and communicated all you can, releasing control of the outcome is one of the best things you can do.

Let’s be clear - I'm not saying don't have healthy discussions. But you can't necessarily make someone like you, approve of you, or feel a certain way. There will always be judgment and rejection and disappointment - it's how you choose to respond, bounce back, and move on from the negative stuff that makes you powerful.

It's natural to want acceptance and approval. But it's not your responsibility to convince everyone of your worth. Because your worth doesn't change. You're already 100% enough. Yes, really.

Say what you need to say and let it go. Release control. Stop trying to control other people's reactions and opinions and desires, and focus on you. Once you start to practice this, life starts to get a little easier. Why? Because trying to control what someone else thinks, believes, wants, or does becomes one less thing you have to spend time worrying about.

This isn't meant to activate anyone, because like I said, we’re all human - but it's something that's been coming up recently with a lot of different people. You're not alone. At some point, we all want approval. But what would happen if you gave it to yourself?

What do you need to release control of right now?