In our day-to-day existence, and experiences gathered over our lifetime, there exists an ever-present tension between the desire for authenticity and the fear of external judgment.
A silent struggle permeates our lives, manifesting in subtle whispers of doubt and hesitation whenever we contemplate pursuing our innermost desires and aspirations. At the heart of this struggle lies a subliminal question, one that often goes unspoken yet exerts a powerful influence on our thoughts and actions: “What will people think?“
This question, though seemingly innocuous, is a potent force that can shape the trajectory of our lives, dictating the choices we make and the paths we choose to tread.
It’s a question that echoes in the recesses of our minds, casting shadows of doubt and insecurity on our most cherished dreams and aspirations. But what lies beneath this question? And how can we free ourselves from its grip to embrace a life of authenticity and fulfilment?
Unraveling the Subconscious
To understand the profound impact of the question, “What will people say/think?” we must delve into the subconscious beliefs and societal conditioning that underpin it. From a young age, we are socialized to seek approval and validation from others, to conform to societal norms and expectations, and to prioritize the perceptions of others over our inner truth.
This conditioning creates a deep-seated fear of rejection and ostracization, compelling us to suppress our true selves in favour of fitting in and avoiding judgment.
As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, this fear of judgment becomes deeply ingrained within us, permeating every facet of our lives. We hesitate to pursue our passions, express our true feelings, and live authentically, for fear of being met with disapproval or ridicule.
We become adept at wearing masks, projecting an image of ourselves that is palatable to others, while our true selves remain hidden beneath layers of pretence and conformity.
The Cost of Conformity
But at what cost do we sacrifice our authenticity on the altar of societal expectations? The price is steep, measured not just in terms of missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams, but also in terms of our mental and emotional well-being.
Suppressing our true selves takes a toll on our psyche, leading to feelings of emptiness, disconnection, and inner turmoil. We become estranged from our desires and aspirations, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and self-censorship that stifles our creativity and dampens our spirit.
Moreover, the fear of judgment can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing our belief that we are unworthy or inadequate. We internalize the negative feedback we receive from others, allowing it to shape our self-perception and erode our sense of self-worth.
In doing so, we relinquish our power to define ourselves on our terms, surrendering to the tyranny of external validation and approval.
The Path to Liberation
But what if we dared to challenge the status quo? What if we refused to be shackled by the expectations of others, choosing instead to embrace our true selves unabashedly and unapologetically?
The journey to liberation begins with a shift in mindset—a willingness to confront the question, “What will people say/think?” and reclaim our autonomy and agency.
It’s about recognizing that the opinions of others are just that—opinions, not gospel truths. It’s about acknowledging that we alone have the power to define our worth and determine our path in life.
And it’s about cultivating the courage to pursue our passions and aspirations, regardless of external judgment or criticism.
Embracing Authenticity: A Call to Action
So, what can we do to break free from the shackles of external judgment and embrace a life of authenticity and fulfilment? It starts with self-awareness—taking the time to reflect on our deepest desires and aspirations, and acknowledging how fear of judgment may be holding us back.
From there, it’s about taking small, deliberate steps towards authenticity—whether that means pursuing a long-held passion, expressing our true feelings, or asserting our boundaries in relationships and situations. It’s about finding the courage to be vulnerable, to show up fully as ourselves, even in the face of uncertainty or discomfort.
And finally, it’s about embracing the mantra of “so what?“—recognizing that the opinions of others are ultimately irrelevant in the grand scheme of our lives.
Whether we succeed or fail, whether we’re celebrated or criticized, what truly matters is that we remain true to ourselves and our inner truth.
Follow your passions
So, go out and sing that song, start that venture, paint that picture, go on that solo trip—whatever it is that sets your soul on fire.
Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back from living a life of authenticity and fulfilment. Embrace your true self, and watch as the world opens up before you in ways you never thought possible.
In the end, the only judgment that truly matters is the one we pass on ourselves.
Let it be one of self-acceptance, self-love, and self-empowerment.
And let it be the beginning of a journey towards a life that is truly your own.
){kind=link}