View Point – Focusing in on What Matters
Do you make choices in life as a result of what others may think, or are you the type of person that throws caution to the wind with little regard of the judgments that may follow? Also, if you knew that others were watching your every move would that make a difference in your decisions?
I remember, as a teenager thinking that there were people in this world who had the ability to read minds, and because of this unfounded belief I feared having my thoughts judged by others. So, I was very careful with my thoughts out of concern that someone could discern them. This kept me from thinking bad thoughts or going down a path that would be unacceptable to those around me. In my juvenile mindset I learned to control my thinking. Even though the reason for doing so was misguided the results were beneficial in developing a better me.
Along with this concept I wonder how much we do or do not do because of the watchful eyes of others. So, the question I would now ask is, “If you could have a moment in time where you knew no one would see or know what you were doing, even God, and you wouldn’t be held accountable for the action, what would you do?” Would you rob a bank knowing you could never be caught or would you do something with greater consequence to yourself or others for good or bad? I believe, if you answer this question honestly, it will give insight to your character and who you are with regards to integrity.
Who are we really, and do we put too much emphasis on the views and opinions of others? The world would have us believe that we must dress or look a certain way in order to be accepted. Do we fall into this trap or have we gotten to a place where we can stand up to an opinionated world and say, “I will be true to myself and not make choices because others feel that is what I should do, but rather because it is right and will affect this world for the better. After all, strength of character really matters most.”
In Other’s Words:
“A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson~