What if they don't like me?

If you were to ask me what one of my biggest worries was as a teen, it would be 'what if people don't like me?' I can remember having sleepless nights worrying about things I said and did - wondering if I offended anyone or looked silly.

While the desire to be liked is normal, believing that it's necessary for everyone to like you is unreasonable. Having that belief started to impact my self-esteem and confidence. I started to base my self-worth on what others thought instead of what I thought. I was becoming more concerned with others liking me instead of me liking myself!

One day I realized the only person I needed to impress was the person I saw when I looked in the mirror - ME!

An activity that really helped me let go and allow my unique qualities to grow and shine was creating mindful thoughts. (an activity that works for all ages)

Take a piece of paper and write: 'I CHOOSE ______' and fill in the blank with what it is that you want to say to yourself. Create as many as you need.

Examples:

I choose to believe I am enough.

I choose to believe I am courageous & talented.

I choose to believe I am perfect just the way I am.

Place the paper(s) where you can see them as a reminder of what you are choosing to say to yourself. The more you repeat it, the more you will believe it.

It's a journey. I still have moments where I allow the fear of 'what if they don't like me' creep in, but now, instead of allowing it to control me, I know to replace it with my mindful thoughts that honour who I am.

This is what I know: When you choose to let go of worrying and choose to start accepting that not everyone will like you, not only will you be able to focus on the people who are in your cheering section, you will also find yourself much happier.