The book that didn’t need to be written…

Have you noticed that just about everybody is under attack from somebody? These days it seems like nobody is who other people want them to be. No matter who we are, it seems others want us to be different, more like them. As I have pondered my own situations of late and find myself beginning to think I really should just go ahead and make others happy by loathing myself, I am reminded of a book written in 1988. Whenever I tell people about this book, I always say the author didn’t need to write the book: the title says it all.

What You Think of Me is None of My Business by Terry Cole Whittaker is a highly positive book that helps the reader understand we’re each responsible for being who we are. We don’t need permission from others, or their approval, for living our lives authentically.

Truthfully, I don’t think any of us can satisfy everyone in our lives and shouldn’t try. We all need to respect one another for who we are and for what life choices we make. I am not approving of murder, theft, rape, etc. Of course, that is where many minds go when you share the idea of people being true to themselves. You and I both know that is not what I am referring to.

When I hear hate speech aimed at me, I mentally say, “What you think of me is none of my business.” When I feel judgment being sent my way from one of Jesus’ followers, I say it to myself: “What you think of me is none of my business.” As an aside, my brother-in-law who was an Episcopal minister and who passed away several years ago used to say, “Dear Jesus, save me from your followers. Thank you. Amen.”

And so, I share this with you. Whether it is a well-meaning relative or a not-so-well-meaning personage or political party who wants to send judgment your way, just remind yourself that what they think of you is none of your business. Don’t let the judgment or criticism into your psychic or spiritual space and don’t let it near your heart. You are wonderful just as you are. This doesn’t mean we don’t stand up for ourselves, vote, and do our part to help right the many wrongs being done these days. It means we don’t let it affect us at our core.

The world must sift through a lot of old messages and opinions, and it is getting pretty messy. Letting these old ways into our hearts or minds is an option we can refuse. We can choose to define ourselves and our world according to who we are and let the rest of them finish figuring it out for themselves. Hopefully not too many people will be hurt along the way.

Living in grace and ease,

Krysta