Calling All People Pleasers... Are You Exhausted Yet?

I was a self-professed grammar junkie.

Don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t perfect by any means. But I used to believe I had a pretty good handle on the English language. Or so I thought.

Now I’m confused. With so many changes in the way people communicate these days, I’ve come to question if I ever really had it right.

And what is right anyway? Is it right to be so uptight about getting everything just right? Wouldn’t it be right to relax a little instead?

Even though we’re in a time when a (much) more relaxed, conversational style of writing isn’t only accepted but preferred, I admittedly still get that cringe when I realize I’m not writing the way I learned in school. And I can't decide whether it's one of my high school English teachers or my mother that I picture peering over my shoulder in disgust.

Maybe it’s both. Maybe it’s neither. Maybe it just doesn't matter.

Not only that, but it appears even some of the built-in grammar checkers didn’t go to the same school as me - and those that did (apparently) aren't keeping up with the times.

It's enough to make my head explode... which leads me to:

I used to wish I could please everybody. But after years of trying and failing, I finally got it through my head that it’s just not possible. Not only that, but it's exhausting. It sucks the energy right out of me. And frankly, time is just too precious, and so is my spirit.

I've grown tired of worrying about what other people think. 

Sure, I care about people. And I care about how I come across. Still, all I can do is my best. I can’t let some idea of what someone may or may not think about me affect how I live this one precious life.

There are haters out there - always have been and always will be. It’s a sad fact.

But those aren’t my people. They’re not your people, either. It’s as simple as that.

I’ve nurtured more trust in myself now, and it's much easier (and healthier) this way.

How about you? Do you find yourself regularly worrying about what other people think? Are you ready to stop wasting your precious time and energy?

Can you start to let go right now, even just a little?