Every thought we have impacts us. Our negative thoughts weaken us, while positive thoughts strengthen us.

Since my teenage years, I have always set goals, enjoyed writing, and enjoyed creating through arts and crafts. My interest in history and geography created a desire in me to travel the world.

My dreams inspired me to focus on what was possible and to work toward achieving my goals. 

However, when I spoke about my goals to others, they didn’t share my enthusiasm.

Their negative reactions caused me to doubt my ability to achieve my dreams; what others thought began to have a negative impact on me and caused me stress. It limited my ability to strive for the life I desired.

Our thoughts have a great effect on how we live our lives and how we perceive ourselves. The way we think shapes our emotions, our actions, and our character.

Our attitudes shape our relationships, goals, and sense of purpose. Inner perception, in turn, influences the way we think others see us.  

We all make mistakes; that is how we learn and grow within ourselves.

But when we rely on others to make us feel better about ourselves, we are giving away our personal power.

When I was in my fifties, I was going through a stressful period. I wasn’t coping, and when my doctor suggested that I seek professional help, I became agitated and told her that people would think I was “losing it”.

She looked at me and said, “Nancy, it is none of your business what other people think.”  

I was shocked. But she was right.

Our reputation is not located inside us; it resides in the minds of others. But the truth is, we can never control their perception of us.

We have no control over what people think; it really is not our business.

If there is something we feel we don’t like about ourselves, change it. 

Successful people create their own self-image and build their strength from within. They become what they think they are. 

We also have this same ability. We are each given the free will to think, to do, and to be whatever we want. Every action begins with a thought.

We alone create the definition of who we become; don’t let others define who you are.

Today, in my nineties, I still set goals. Despite some people not encouraging me, I have achieved many of my life goals, and I have traveled the world.

Over the years, I have learned to follow my heart and intuition; it has not always been easy, but it has always been rewarding. I let go of my concerns about what others thought and learned to trust my inner belief.

Dear friends, we are all what we think we are. Let’s become what we want to be.

– Nancy