What Happens When You Stop Caring What People Think

You’ll be happy and free to express your authentic self

How would it feel if you stopped caring what other people think of you?

What if you showed the world your unapologetic, unabashed, authentic self? Are you willing to drop the façade based on outside opinions?

We often do things to please othe people. We do or say things that aren’t in alignment with our true nature. We’re afraid of rejection, so we don’t speak our truth. We might bend or mold ourselves into someone we’re not when we want a particular job or relationship.

It’s common to live out of alignment with our authentic selves. Our society encourages us to push or ignore individual boundaries. Work, lifestyle, and beauty are a few areas in which the media shows us false representations of ourselves.

Sometimes it’s like skiing uphill to challenge the messages they’re feeding us. But it’s possible to move past it. We need to be aware of what resonates and what doesn’t, then make different choices. Then we can get bold and brave and do what feels right.

Even with self-awareness and bold action, some of us can face challenges in certain places. I’ve struggled with accepting the skin I’m in.

Every morning, I put on concealer.

I do it to cover my hormonal face rash. I’ve had the condition for almost nine years, and I’ve worn makeup for about 35 years. This part of my routine is the last vestige of anything incongruent with my true self. I’m physically more comfortable with nothing on my skin. So why do it? I don’t want others to see my rash. Why not? Because I fear rejection.

I wonder if I’ll be bold enough to show people the pink splotches on my cheeks. I’m 48 years old, and my hormones are out of balance. I’m confident in other areas. But I keep covering up my face. If I didn’t feel incongruent, I’d feel fine continuing to use the cover-up. But I’m a middle-aged hippie who walks barefoot in the desert and eats organic. It doesn’t feel like “me.”

I’ve made a lot of progress. I probably have body dysmorphia from my skin-picking days. I’d always see facial imperfections before anyone else noticed. I don’t pick any more, and my skin is pretty clear in comparison. But I’m afraid of being considered unattractive with a splotchy face rash.

Symbolically speaking, am I subconsciously afraid of people seeing the real me? I’ve asked this before, and the answer is always no. I’m wide open in other aspects. Perhaps it’s from the earliest messages of what’s pretty. It’s hard to break free from the socially accepted beauty model.

I wish I could tell myself what I tell others. You’re beautiful as you are, whatever’s on your face. But I’m not there yet. Someday, I’ll give zero fucks about whoever might judge me for a hormonal imbalance. Why would I want that kind of negativity and judgment in my life, anyway?

Here are some positive effects when you’re authentic, despite what others might think:

You save time and energy

Why spend time on something that won’t bring you joy or any other rewards? It’s exhausting to try pleasing or impressing others. When you refuse to get busy people-pleasing, you relax and enjoy your moment. You have extra time and energy.

You can spend more time on you now.

You’ll accept yourself and others

Acceptance is the answer to many life challenges. When you accept your perceived flaws as Nature intended, you’ll shift your perspective. Suddenly, you’ll see a brand new person in the mirror.

Acceptance of others fosters the mutual understanding that everyone’s perfectly imperfect, and it’s ok. Self-acceptance brings undeniable satisfaction and builds your confidence.

Your confidence will soar

Living your truth is an excellent confidence booster. You’re willing to be honest with yourself and others. You do and say what feels right for you, regardless of trends, peer pressure, or ingrained cultural and societal expectations.

The more often you move from a place of authenticity, the more you’ll build your confidence. What you used to see as a flaw, you perceive as an inevitable byproduct of being human. You have nothing to hide.

You’ll be more attractive

Confidence and healthy self-esteem is attractive. Authenticity is attractive. People are going to notice when you show yourself to them, spots and all.

Healthy people will appreciate that you love yourself enough to honor your needs and desires. You’ll inspire them with your commitment to staying true to yourself, despite outside influences. They’ll be more inclined to be themselves around you. You’ll have a clean, clear relationship.

You’ll be happy, joyous, and free

I want happiness and contentment more than your approval. If you don’t accept me as I am, I’ll move onto someone who will. When I respect my need for unconditional acceptance, I’m happy.

Our comfort and well-being are more important than what people choose to criticize us. Who cares if you don’t agree with each other’s lifestyle choices? Everyone has a right to a life free and unencumbered from others’ judgments.

Outside expectations don’t have to rule your life. Stop worrying about what they think. Pay attention to what you think. Reclaim your voice. Express yourself. Find the joy inside of you.

Final thoughts

We can get caught up in what others think of us. I used to think I’d be over it now that I’m older. But I’m still holding onto the “perfect” face. What you think of me is none of my business. But most of us are still affected by old paradigms where appearance and status get judged.

What if we stopped caring about other people’s reactions? What’s the worst that could happen? They don’t like you anymore? Well, it’s their loss.

Choose to break free. Take the first step. Try one thing that makes you feel vulnerable. Then keep doing it. One day, you’ll notice your fucks are gone. You’ll shine your authentic self for everyone to see and appreciate.

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