Please Stop Asking Me

You know how you have this great idea about something and all you can do is tell people about it because you're so excited and you ask everyone's opinion? I totally get it - I love getting people's opinion on all of my multi-passionate ideas. Hey, what do you think about this? And so I ask for their opinions... and somewhere in their masked enthusiasm I hear it - that one little tone or word or sentence that makes me no longer be in love with my idea. It's such a let down. 

It's like when I put on an outfit and I love it. I mean the shoes, the accessories, the colors all fit my mood for the day and I walk into my Great Room and I ask my kids how I look and they look at me and kind of crinkle their noses like there's something they just don't like. I no longer feel like I'm rocking my look, I feel like I look stupid. Okay, my son is 11 and a BOY. Do I really think he has a better fashion sense than I do? No. Does it still make me question myself? Yep. Every time. How about asking me if you should date someone? Why would I know that for you and why would my opinion on who you should like and not like matter? What - should I arrange a marriage for you too since I obviously know what's best for you even better than yourself? 

In a perfect world we just wouldn't listen. But let's get real, we listen. Especially when the dream is really big and personal. Why? Because the really big ideas are scary and quite honestly we love having a way out for ourselves... it confirms that little nagging voice on our shoulder that says 'See, I knew it would never work and someone else agrees. Forget even trying when other people agree that it's a stupid idea."

What is more realistic than not listening is to just stop asking. Stop questioning and start telling. YOU know when an idea or dream is right FOR YOU because it feels really good inside and it scares you in a really great way, like a tingly anticipation. Other people will never feel that way about your dreams so why are you asking for their opinion on what you should do? 

Instead of asking "Should I", say "I'm Going To". You are the only one who really knows if it's right or not for you. Trust yourself enough to not have to go running to others for guidance.