— LIEUTENANT TORRES. PARALLAX. 48439.7

It’s an affirmation we would all do well to repeat.

Because what others think is no substitute for one’s own internal guidance system. To let other people’s view of us determine our thinking is dangerous not merely because they can’t always be there every time we need guidance. What’s worse is that we learn to distrust our own inner resources, our own innate ability to decide for ourselves, our own direct com-link with The Universe.

Which is not to say we should ignore what others think. Other people frequently have insights and experiences that can complement our own. Not to mention that seeing ourselves through others’ eyes is a useful way to objectively assess our talents and flaws. Other people’s opinions can also act as a check against “privatizing” reality, against our pretense that the world revolves solely around what we happen to think at any given moment.

In the end it’s not a question of whether to ignore or to consider the views other people have of us. Or even whether we finally agree or disagree with those views.

It’s simply a matter of not being bothered by them.

Other people may form opinions about me. But it’s what I think about myself that determines my course of action... and my happiness.

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The above meditation is taken from Going Boldly on Your Inner Voyage © 1999-2004, IF Books.

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