I've received lots of great advice over the years. One of the most freeing pieces came from my good friend Betsy. She told me what other people thought was none of my business.
For someone like me who lived a significant chunk of her life "people pleasing" this was quite revolutionary.
We all want control in some aspects, and the more delusional of us think we can control other people's thoughts and reactions to us. You can get quite good at predicting reactions if you know a person well enough, but is that how you want to spend your life, living it for others?
I knew the tendency in myself to want approval. When I decided to move to Florida part of that decision was based on the fact that I needed to be able to become my own person without constantly feeling like I was disappointing someone.
Disappointment from friends and family was always difficult for me. It didn't matter if what I said or did wasn't something to be disappointed in, I could feel when I wasn't quite meeting expectations. I try to forget the regrets over silly things I said and did over my lifetime, but I wasn't able to really start attempting to free myself until I heard that wonderful advice.
We can't control what the world says or thinks; we can only control our actions and reactions. We will screw up, but as long as there is a tomorrow we have a shot to be better.
Until next time,
Kaycee
P.S. My favorite song today is Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing by SHeDAISY