"they'll either hype you or hate you. it shouldn't make you or break you."
within those seventy-two characters lie numerous thoughts, experiences, and resolutions. Understand: Feeding into hype can be just as detrimental as feeding into the hate. I know SO many girls in high school who lived their lives trying to keep "popularity". It is important to know, however, that hype does not know loyalty. You're hot one day and old news the next. If your self-esteem is dependent upon hype ... then you're in for a rude awakening. I learned early on that flattery and hype will massage your ego, but it is nothing SUBSTANTIAL. it's amazing to me how much power we give to our peers. we "value" their opinion so much that we will shape-shift our souls, appearance, or self-esteem. Nevertheless, i challenge you to take a good look at your peers ... do they walk on water? have they given sight to the blind? oh. they have the new Concords. well, i guess that is more than enough reason to devote your life to their approval.
Look, i'm not saying that you should NEVER listen to a person's compliment or criticism. Sometimes, it's nice to know that someone out there can understand you or vibe with what you're doing. Sometimes, people have the gift of wisdom- gently guiding your path in the right direction. That's love. Sometimes we need to hear something we don't want to ... because we're too stubborn to see. As for me, i take everything a person says with a grain of salt until i can be sure they have my best interest in mind. Because sometimes, our loved ones can even come from a place of spite, fraudulence or jealousy. When all else fails, i seek counsel from God and try to eat sparingly from the tree of vanity. If your foundation is solid, the hype nor hate can phase you.
Girl, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I swear this is the logic that changed my life; I've learned so much over this break. The problem is seriously when you don't have love for yourself and faith that the Creator made you just the way you should be, regardless of the outside babble and extraneous counterproductive soundtrack that others try to slide into your life.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy that it took me 21 years to realize my true worth, and what's sadder is that some people will never realize their worth because they don't understand how much they risk by placing themselves at the mercy of another humans opinion. I used to do it all the time unknowingly.
I refuse to be a puppet whose feelings and emotions are regulated by such faulty human hands. Awesome post & great insight girl.
Thank you.
speaaaaaak ! i swear your comment was better than my post lol. but you are SO right and i am so happy for you. i feel like your experiences will turn into a great testimony for other young girls.
ReplyDeletexoxo