Do you think for yourself?

June 23rd, 2010 by admin

“All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself.” ~Ralph Ellison, “Battle Royal”

Who do you look up to? Who do you listen to? Can you tell when it is in your best interest? No matter where you get the information, think of what is best for you. Here are some thoughts on thinking for yourself.

Thinking For Yourself By Kathleen Mary

Socrates once said, “To find yourself, think for yourself.” And most of us are convinced that we do think for ourselves. But what about all the persuasive messages we receive on a daily basis? Even if we were able to tune out advertising from the Internet, television, newspapers, radio and magazines, there are a billion other ways we are influenced by other people’s perceptions. And sometimes we are tempted to change our own self-image based on what these people think.

For example, you might be quite proud of yourself because after a long struggle you were able to lose 10 pounds. Then you go into a restaurant and another customer frowns when you are being served dessert. You change your whole way of thinking about yourself based on this one look. Your brain reminds you of the smaller portions and exercise that allowed you to indulge in this special treat, but your emotions tell you that this stranger’s opinion of you must be true. You are the only one who knows how much commitment you’ve made to losing weight, so don’t let anyone else change influence your thinking.

At times like this, you need to reaffirm that you think of yourself as a success. Get up in the morning and be grateful for the many things you have accomplished. Throughout the day, listen carefully to what others have to say. Sometimes you will want to change your mind or beliefs based on the influence of others. But bear in mind the truth you know about yourself and remain faithful to that truth. You have the discipline to listen to your own heart and soul. You have unconditional love for yourself that allows you to think and be everything that your heart desires.

Kathleen Mary is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our blog for wedding planning tips and money saving ideas.

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TODAY’S TIP: Cultivate the courage to accept responsibility for your life and think for yourself.

Who does your thinking for you?