Framed by opinions

If I took a survey asking people if they care what other people think about them. A majority of the people would say "no I don't care". If we are honest though we really do care. We care how people view us. Who wants to be viewed as useless, confessed, evil or stupid? Not me. But the problem is we say we don't care then we live contrary; worrying what others might think or say. We don't want to be different we want to just be normal to have their approval. To be different means to risk having people not like you and say mean things about you. What kind of life do you want to live honestly? Do you want to live framed by the opinions and beliefs of others or do you want to live a life framed by your beliefs? Freedom is not in what others think of you, it is in what you think of yourself. You are a leader but my opinion means nothing if you don't believe it for yourself. What do you believe? You see opinions change; they are temporary.

I was told not to get married at 20 for I was too young and that I would regret it; it would not last. I was told not start my business that it would be a mistake and to just get a job like everyone else. But do you know the same people that spoke so strongly against my choices were the same ones that praised me for not listening to them. It is not about what people tell you it is what you believe.

There have been times where I listened to people and I remained stuck somewhere because of the advice they gave me. When I realized that it was not what I really wanted to do after years of being stuck I was finally about to move forward. Sometimes you have to ask yourself why am I doing what I am doing? Is it because I desire to do it or is this what I feel is the "right" thing to do? Am I afraid to do what I desire? Why am I afraid of? Is this what God wants me to do? A lot of times it is what God what you to do but sometimes you realize that it is not God but rather the opinions of others or your fears that have prevented you from being you.

I am not saying I don't listen to people I am just saying their opinion is secondary to what I believe in my heart. I don't want to live the life others want me to live. I want to live the life God wants me to live. Have a great day.