“This never ceases to amaze me. We love ourselves above all others and yet value our opinions less than that of others.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 12.4
I have spent much of my life worrying about what others would think of me rather than just doing the right thing.
This mindset of seeking outside approval has led me down the wrong road on multiple occasions.
I am working on doing the right thing even when it is hard.
Some people will not like that.
That’s ok.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard Baruch
Other people’s opinions are fleeting. Some days they will love you. Some days they will hate. Most days they don’t even think about you.
“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes the color of your thoughts. Color it with a run of thoughts like [this]: Anywhere you can lead your life, you can lead a good one.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.16.i
You have to live with yourself every moment of every day. Your opinion matters more.
Be the best person you can be in each moment. Believe in yourself and color your thoughts with a positive opinion of yourself.
That’s all that matters.
Educational Stoic 