How often have you stopped yourself from doing or saying something because you were worried about what someone else might think?
Maybe you didn’t speak up when you wanted to. Maybe you acted like you liked something when you didn’t. Maybe you changed what you were going to wear because you thought someone might judge you.
We’ve probably all done it.
As much as I’ve tried to be authentic throughout my life, there have been times when I’ve chosen someone else’s values over mine, accommodated the people around me, or simply held back because I was worried about being judged.
But the more I practice Zenatude, the less I care about what other people think about me being me.
Not completely. I’m human.
But enough to recognize when I’m letting someone else’s opinion make a decision that should be mine.
What Does “Free To Be Me” Really Mean?
Being yourself doesn’t mean being the loudest person in the room or saying everything that pops into your head.
You can be kind, thoughtful and respectful while still being completely yourself.
If you want to sing in your car — sing.
If you have an opinion — speak up.
If you want to wear the bright color or quirky outfit — wear it.
If you don’t like something — don’t pretend you do just because everyone else does.
And if you want to decorate your golf cart — decorate it!
Yes, that last one is real advice I recently gave a neighbor who was worried about what the community might think.
My thought was simple: It’s your golf cart!
It may sound like a small thing, but how many times do we stop ourselves from doing something harmless that would make us happy simply because we’re worried about someone else’s opinion?
Nobody Is a Better You Than You
People are going to have opinions no matter what you do.
Trying to make sure everyone likes you, agrees with you or approves of your choices is a lot of energy spent trying to control something you can't control.
Instead, put that energy into being yourself.
The next time you find yourself holding back, ask:
Am I being me right now?
If the answer is no, think about why.
You don't need to change everything overnight. Just start noticing the moments when you're making choices based on what someone else might think.
Then give yourself permission to choose you.
Be kind. Be respectful. Be thoughtful.
But be you.
Because nobody else can do that better.
Stop waiting. Start choosing. That’s Zenatude.