5 Reasons To Stop Caring About What Others Think
Growing up, my parents used to tell me not to disclose too much about my life. They used to say, “Keep things private. Don’t give people a reason to talk.”
For a really long time, I followed my parents’ advice. I followed it because I was afraid of others talking about me and judging me. I didn’t want people to think of me in a bad way. I wanted them to think nothing but great things.
But living my life constantly worrying about what others thought was exhausting. So one day, I decided it was enough.
You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.- Richard P. Feynman
A few years have passed and I can proudly say that I was able to completely transform myself. I’ve finally stopped caring what other people think of me. I’m no longer afraid of sharing my life, my stories, my successes and struggles.
Being able to be open about my life and not fear criticism is an absolute feeling of freedom. But getting to this point wasn’t easy. It was a tough mental battle with myself. And the only reason why I was able to win this fight was because I finally understood how detrimental caring what people thought of me was for my overall health.
So if you feel like you are in the same boat I was a few years ago, here are the five things you should always remember to help you finally stop worrying about others, and start living for yourself.
1. It’s impossible to please everyone
Unless you’re Mother Teresa, there will always be someone who’s going to talk behind your back and judge you. There are over 7 billion people living on this planet; it would be a miracle if everyone approved of you. The only person you should be most concerned about pleasing is yourself.
You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.- Dita Von Teese
2. It's an unnecessary stress
Constantly worrying about what other people think of you or your actions causes nothing but mental and emotional stress. There are plenty of other things you need to be worrying about, and this isn’t one of them. Don’t let others control you. Remember, you only have one life to live, so make it a good one.
3. It will sabotage your plans and progress
When you embark on personal projects, the only thing you should be concerned about is you. You should always block out the outside noise and focus on your self-development. If you don’t, you’ll never move forward. Always make yourself a priority.
4. It’s all about you
At the end of the day, the only thing that should be of importance is you and your feelings. Ask yourself questions such as: Am I happy in life? Am I happy with my achievements? Am I becoming a better and stronger person? If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions then nothing else should matter.
5. Those who judge you don’t matter
Have you heard of the saying “Lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep?” Well, that’s exactly how you should be living your life. Remember, you’re the lion and those who judge are the sheep. The people who love and support you will never talk negatively behind your back. These are the people who are important.
Before I end this article, there’s one more thing you should keep in mind. It’s human nature to judge others. So if ever you catch yourself doing it as well, please stop. Let’s all just focus on being the best versions of ourselves and let others do their own thing.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.