The Turtleneck

Worrying About Someone's Opinion Of You Gives Them Power Over You

 

I am a cold natured person. I don’t like the cold, windy weather that happens in the winter.  So when it is really cold, I love to wear a turtleneck sweater. It makes me feel comfortable and cozy. One day I was talking to a friend about clothes. And she mentioned how she hates turtlenecks. From that day forward, when I would reach for a turtleneck sweater in my closet, I would end up choosing something else to wear. Yet I wouldn’t give my turtleneck sweaters away. They still looked appealing to me.

 

One day, when I was cleaning out my closet, I realized that simple comment that my friend had innocently made was affecting my decisions and choices. I was allowing another person’s choices to be my choice. And I felt very foolish when I realized this. Essentially, I was giving up my power because I was worried about what someone else would say or think about me. It sounds like a silly thing, but how often do we allow the opinion of someone else affect what we are doing?

 

All that matters in this life is that we are happy, healthy and whole. We are all made unique, with unique tastes and desires. If we like something, we like it. It doesn’t matter who else likes it or doesn’t. While there is nothing wrong with wanting approval, there is a difference between being happy about someone’s approval and living for it. Be strong in your choices. Be confident in your decisions. Don’t allow someone else’s opinion to affect how you live your life.