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365 Days of Coaching
Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Tuesday, July 2, 2002
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Glitter is for Everyday

I love body glitter and I don't think that glitter should be reserved for just special occasions. I think glitter should be worn as a celebration and if life isn't a celebration, I don't know what is. My most current favorite everyday wear glitter comes in a role-on perfume called Wild Cherry. This product is designed for little girls, however since I can't find the glitter intensity I like in other products, I simply use the Wild Cherry. One day, when I was out and about, a woman commented on my glitter. She wanted to let me know that body glitter should be reserved for evening and special occasions. How interesting it is that someone who doesn't know would feel it important to tell me that. And why are we waiting for special occasions to celebrate life? What worries me most about random comments like this is that people who would like to live life to its fullest are being held back by strangers. I call that the "What will Other People Think" syndrome. It takes a lot to be able to deflect every random comment that is thrown our way. Add in the ones that come from people who we care about and it can be difficult to take a stand and follow our own path.

The best thing to do when people express their unsolicited opinion is not respond. Anything I would have said to the anti-glitter woman was not going to convince her of anything and only waste my energy. I personally don't care if she likes my glitter or not and telling her that most likely wasn't going to help her in anyway. I simply smiled and went on my way. Not every comment needs or deserves a response. If saying nothing doesn't' work, I just thank them for sharing and then I continue to live my life the way I want.

Coaching

There will always be someone who will not like what we are doing. There could be many reasons for it and none of them really matter. As long as we are not hurting anyone else, it isn't our concern what other people think. They can think anything they want to think. That is the joy of letting go of our concern for what other people think and allowing them the freedom to have their own thoughts.

I also think that comments like the glitter come from jealousy and insecurity. Often people want to be freer, but are too fearful to venture out themselves, so when they see someone else living on their own terms, they get envious. They may not be able to articulate it that way or perhaps on a conscious level don't even realize, but comments like that come from somewhere. When someone is secure with themselves and is living their own life to its fullest they don't have to worry about others or put others down.

The key is not to get hooked in with people like this. In these situations, practice not replying or simply acknowledging them for sharing and then move on. You do not have to defend your actions or explain why you do what you do. It is your life to live and, as long as you are not infringing on others, it is your business how you live your life.

Do you care what other people think?

Daily Success Formula

Personal Preference + Individualism + Self Esteem = Living life to its fullest

Quotes

"All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism." North DeKalb

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot

"It is better for your career to do nothing than to do something and attract criticism." Scott Adams

"In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept destructive criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this." Willie Mays