{Insightful Sunday} To thine own self be true.

I've previously touched on the importance of intuition, listening to oneself, trusting in your gut feelings, but another really important thing is to be aware of how others are influencing you.

Think about how often a situation arises, whether it be a relationship drama, a family quarrel or a dispute at work, whereby you invariably find someone who seems to feel the need to impart their wisdom upon you, usually in a misguided attempt at helping, whether you asked for their advice/opinion or not.

It's somewhat inevitable that those around you will have an opinion on what's going on in your life, however, it's important to remember that regardless of their intentions, it is ultimately your life & your own opinion, thoughts or feelings on the matter in hand, that are the only ones relevant.

It's equally important to remember that everyone's opinion on a matter will be based on their own ideals & philosophies, which may have no connection to your own.  Everyone is battling their own demons & dependable on their mindset, their pearls of wisdom may be tainted by their own fears, which they're projecting onto you & your situation.

Of course it's important to be able to have an outsider's perspective on a situation, especially when, at times, we can be too involved to see things clearly, but be mindful of what others are saying & learn to recognise if what they're saying to you imposes a sense of negativity, or whether it is uplifting & resonates with you.

It's very easy to be led astray by others, especially when you don't necessarily have the confidence or conviction to trust in your own opinion or judgement.  It's important to hear people out, but take the time to listen to yourself.  You know inside whether what people are saying is right for you or not, know that & stand by it.

Don't be afraid to have a differing opinion, even if it seems illogical, or doesn't make sense to others.  Remember everyone is different & what works for one, does not work for everyone.  There will always be someone who disagrees with you, that is something you can count on.  Which is why it is so important to follow your own guidance, not that of others.

Your life must be led the way that is right for you.  You choose the path & just as you would not wish to be judged, do not allow yourself to judge others & the path that they choose to take.  We cannot all go the same way.  We must do what is right for ourselves, regardless of public opinion.

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