I care what people think because I don’t want people not to like me, right?  It is so simple but so powerful.  Most of us want to be liked or want to be likable.  Being disliked can be very lonely.  However, it seems to me that we can be lonely even if we are well-liked.   

So why do I really care what people think? 

1.  I care because I genuinely have love in my heart for all individuals.

I may not respect everything that everyone does, but I do have love in my heart for all.  The opposite of love is hate and that is not healthy for anyone.  So why not choose love?  It is easy to make room in one’s heart to love others if we allow ourselves to redefine the word, love. 

I have lived my life with a broad definition of love, but not as broad as it is currently.  I would have said that I loved my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.  My definition would not have included people that I didn’t personally know. 

The boundaries of my definition of love have disappeared.  No longer is it narrowly defined.  Seeing things through love has become a way of life and has opened the door for joy and hope. 

2.  I care because I don’t want to hurt others. 

Unfortunately, I am sure that there are times that I unintentionally hurt others.  It might be a time when I was focused on a task, when something didn’t go as planned, or when I just plain made a mistake and didn’t think through how something might affect others. 

It seems to be one of the easiest ways to hurt someone is to not include them.  It might mean not including them in the plan, in the solution, at the event, etc.  It is a difficult lesson to learn, but not being included in the plan does not necessarily mean you were excluded purposefully. 

It is difficult to be excluded, but I have come to terms with not being included in all that goes on around me.  I am comfortable with entertaining crowds, participating around the perimeter, and respectfully not participating. 

I find it refreshing to spend some time alone.  I don’t want to feel invisible, but I do enjoy my alone time.  Although prayer is intertwined throughout my daily life, when I am alone prayer is abundantly present.

3.  I care because I don’t want my actions to negatively affect my family.

I don’t remember worrying about what people thought of me before I had children.  I have been guilty of thinking about how my actions and decisions will affect my girls. 

I care that my girls are able to make their own way in this world utilizing their knowledge, skills, and faith.  I am purposeful in allowing them to make their own guided decisions as they progress through life’s challenges.   

Ultimately I care about people, not what they think of me.  I choose to have love in my heart for others.  I am purposeful about treating people with kindness and make every attempt to avoid hurting others. 

So why do I care what other people think of me?  I leave that to my faith, but I do care that I am respectful, love others, and serve God.   

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