“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” — Dr. Seuss
I believe that the key to happiness is being your most authentic self and not caring what other people think. Some may agree, some may disagree. But that’s what I believe.
Do you care too much what others think? Do you constantly seek approval from other people?
If you said yes to either one of these question you’re definitely not alone. Many of us have had these moments. And some of us are living entire existences surrounded by the validation and approval of other people.
I used to be that way- to a certain degree. I worried what other people thought of me. I wanted everyone to like me. But that mindset proved to be a very unsatisfying and unrealistic- especially when I started writing and doing media. I tried to be as “pc” as possible, and ironically, some people still had a problem with what I said or wrote. Then I accepted that not everyone was going to like me. And I decided to stop caring so much. I decided to just do what I love, be my most authentic self, and interestingly enough, life and work became a lot more fulfilling. Now I happily do what I do, accepting the congratulations and criticisms.
Only when we get older do many of us realize the futility in pleasing everyone and constantly looking to others for validation. In fact, a dear friend of mine (an older woman) stated that women go through various stages in our lives. In our 20’s we walk into a room and think “I hope they like me!” In our 30’s we walk into a room and think, “They’re definitely going to like me!” And then in our 40’s and beyond we walk into a room and think, “I don’t give a damn if they don’t like me!”
Ultimately, we learn to be truly happy in our own skin. And we no longer need the validation of others to determine our happiness. Oh, if only all of us could have come to that conclusion earlier!
Ladies and gents, if you want to be happy, genuinely happy, then be true to yourself, live your life as authentic as possible, and let the chips and opinions fall where they may. Don’t be afraid to be show the world the real you. Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Trust me, when all is said and done, the people who love and respect you will gladly welcome your authenticity.
Do you agree that the key to happiness is not caring what others think?
If you liked this article and want to know more about our writer, Dr. Phoenyx Austin, fan her on Facebook! Dr. Phoenyx is a physician, writer, & media personality. She is a young woman living passionately and truthfully- hoping to empower, educate, and entertain women through her witty, straightforward commentary on love, relationships, sex, and culture. She is also currently working on her first fiction book- a psychological thriller.
