Daily Gratitude: How often do we NOT do something because we’re concerned about (afraid of) what other people will think? All too often, I think. When you get to my age, you’d think I’d realize that no matter what you say or do, some people are going to criticize or complain. Does that make them right and you wrong? Why do we even think of it that way instead of “am I right and they’re wrong?” Why do we question ourselves more than we question another person, even those we barely know? Have you ever thought about that? “Why am I putting so much stock in what this person I just met thinks?” What happens when you ask yourself that? Why do you keep questioning yourself, especially without any specific evidence proving you’re wrong? If you must analyze things, examine why you decided x, y, or z. What is the basis of your opinion. If you’re darn sure that your facts match up with all the evidence then it shouldn’t matter what others say. Stop questioning yourself based solely on another’s thoughts and ideas. When you decide something, make sure your facts are solid and your conclusion is as well and then refuse to engage in argument unless you consider that other person a mentor and an expert. But any Joe Blow off the street is probably not a mentor or an expert. You don’t need someone else’s approval to have your idea. Stick with it …. Or revise it if you have GOOD reason to do so. Those other people are most likely not as smart as you are.