Monday, I taught a very reluctant group how to balance in tree pose. Short week, gray day, all equals tired apathetic teens. But I pushed them any way and class turned out great. While we were wobbling about on one leg, I commented on how I tend to stand for like this while I’m waiting in lines. One girl’s eyes got big and jaw dropped open. She gasped and said “aren’t you worried what other people will think?!?”. I looked straight at her and defiantly said “NO”.
When I was her age, I can remember saying that I didn’t care what other people thought about me, but secretly, I cared. I cared a great deal. It made it so hard to be my authentic self. And I know, at times, I played along to please the crowd. If I have any regrets from my youth, it would be those times I did not remain true to myself. But sometimes I wasn’t comfortable being my authentic self. Sometimes being my true self felt like wearing pantyhose and pointy heals while everyone else is wearing jeans and tennis shoes. I wasn’t comfortable because I was worried about what others would think. Again, I’m not sure what happened. I’m sure age plays a big part, but honestly, I can say that I don’t really care what others think of me. As long as my actions and words are not causing anyone any harm. That’s the kicker.
And that’s exactly what I told that girl and why I love teaching this class. Could you imagine how much easier things could have been for you if you knew with out a doubt that it truly doesn’t matter what others think of you as long as you’re not causing them any harm? Be OK with being you.
Happy Love Thursday!
Lovely Cindy, just lovely. I try.
Friends. I’m almost positive friends are what make you able to be completely comfortable in your own skin. Friends that know the deep down you, and love you all the more because of it. Friends that don’t just accept you, but embrace and celebrate you. Friends that would go to the end of the earth just to see you in all your imperfect glory. They make it okay for us to just be. They make it easier to *be* in a crowd of people. Because we know they’re waiting for us.
Happy Thanksgiving, Cindy.
It’s so true. Over time you learn to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are. It makes it so much easier.
I think you nailed it. I think it is age and friends. I tell this to my children often and hope it sticks. It’s hard to surround yourself with people who love you for yourself when you don’t really know who you are or even want to be yet.