Today’s rule brings to mind a line from an old hindi film song that went like this:
“Kuch toh log kahengey..
logon ka kaam hai kehna..”
Meaning:
People will talk, for, that is what they are born to do!
And, that’s why..
What other people think about you is none of your business!
How often do we imagine all the horrid things people might think about us? We try out new outfits, or a brand new hairstyle, or visit a pub with friends, or just express our views on social media, but, all through, the thought that niggles at the back of our mind is, “What will people say? What will they think of me if I behave in such a way/opine on a matter thus?”
People’s perceptions about us is a cause of great concern to us; our happiness rarely matters. Will we fit in with the conventional image set by the society, or will we be labelled a rebel? These thoughts often give us sleepless nights. We fear expressing frank opinions, living a life of our choice, or following our heart, all because we fear the repercussions vis-a-vis our image.
Really, why should we care what someone thinks about us? What difference will it make, anyway? We also often forget that everyone has a life to live, matters to settle, problems to solve. Who really has the time to reflect upon our choices after a certain point? And, even if they do, so what? We fail to consider the most elementary fact: how does it matter? It’s our life, isn’t it?
I have not been much of a rebel myself, ever. I have always been cautious about what I say/do, weighed my words carefully, behaved in a certain manner so as not get labelled as ‘unrefined’ or ‘wild’. But, after all these years, I have realised that it has made me so self-conscious, that I have been living a life full of inhibitions! There has always been this hesitancy in talking my mind (lest people ridicule) or, even dancing like crazy, lest I make a mockery of myself!
I know some free-spirited people who live their life like they owe no justification to a single soul. Their body language, their self-confidence says a lot about their happiness quotient. It makes me envious, and I wonder why I can’t emulate their carefree ways! They aren’t demeaning themselves in any way, or hurting anyone around them. They are just living! Be it speaking their mind, pursuing hobbies or careers, or something as trivial as dancing in the rain; they hardly care what others think about them. Frankly, these are the happiest souls, ever!
Well, now that I have poured it all out, and gained some insight, I guess, I will just get up and dance! Or, even speak, or behave, in fact, just live the way I find fit. What the world thinks about me, is really not my business!
*Click on the words above and you’ll know what I mean! 🙂
And, have a happy, carefree day!
Brave words . We live in a society and “man is born free but lives everywhere in chains”. It is hard to be completely free without social boundaries …
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Hey, let me dance with you. Thanks for Inspirational words.
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Glad you are all set to get up and dance! I definitely believe that we live for ourselves and as long as we are happy without being a nuisance to society why bother about what others think…
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What lovely thoughts, Shilpa! Dancing to: Its My Life…hehee, thanks for sharing that! This is one aspect that is probably pretty difficult to practice, but once you break the mold that society has cast you in, it can be very liberating. Wait for me…lets dance in the rain together!
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What a great topic! There are things we should always remember!
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Happiness comes from within. It cannot be had any other way. People who are happy are just happy no matter what. Expectations, frustrations when they are not fulfilled, comparisons…all these things hurt.
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The quotes are too good. There's great wisdom in what they say. To each his own, isn't it? Love the concluding lines … Lovely post!
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Expectations from others hold us down a great deal. If we keep on trying to impress the society then it wouldn't be a life worth living. We live for ourselves. Great thoughts Shilpa. 🙂
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True true, not caring about what other people think is truly bliss! 🙂
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What others think of us need be no concern, in fact. But it's difficult to reach that stage.
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That is true, bellybytes. But, it won't harm in trying to live a little for ourselves, as per our wishes, too, would it? 🙂
Thank you for the visit! 🙂
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Dance along, Upasna! Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for the visit! 🙂
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Exactly what we all should be doing! There will be many more happy faces around if we begin doing that in earnest!
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Yes, Kala, taking the first step is a bit difficult, but, once you are in, you can make wonders happen!
We are dancing together, for sure! Some day!
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Thank you! 🙂
Yes, we ought to keep these in mind!
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lovely thoughts Shilpa, sometimes its just good to be badass!
Regards
Tina
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Thought provoking post. I'm like you not a rebel but I'm also not a people pleaser. What I do, how I dress etc. may bother me only if it comes from my closest folks. Their intent would then be not pointing fingers but helping me improve and that works for me. Over many years, I've become better at going what I like to do vs thinking of others 🙂
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Thank you, Tina!
Yes, badass is THE word! 🙂
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Yes, it sure is difficult, but there's no harm in trying a bit! 🙂
Thank you for the visit, Tomichan!
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Yes, Mithila! Ignorance is bliss!
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