How to Have an Opinion and Protect Yourself

Everyone has an opinion on issues. Sometimes it’s unfiltered, inappropriate, or appropriate depending on the subject in question.

As humans, we’re fond of creating personas that depend on the validation of people in our social circles. As such, our mood could be altered by another person’s opinion or general comments on the web. This is inevitable as we are social beings bound to expect and mirror each other’s behaviours and contributions. Furthermore, we are bound to interact and pick up certain ideas or philosophies. These are from the things we read or the people we meet.

This is a great way to learn new things. However, at the same time, it is also a risk. This is because we may get offended or cajoled into something we don’t need to dabble with.

This brings a thought to ask certain questions. What do I do with all these opinions? How do I protect my headspace from the tons of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs floating in the airspace around me?

However, it’s simple. Filter your space. Decide what you let in and throw the rest out. You don’t have to cuss at that bored stranger who stays behind a smartphone to say things he/she can’t say in person to anyone. Also, you really don’t have to get riled up about that bad joke a co-worker cracked that made everyone turn their nose up. Be picky with energy. If it doesn’t do you good, if it doesn’t feel right to you, if it bothers you; throw it out the window or press the mute button.

Everyone’s opinion matters but not everyone’s opinion should get to you.

Once you accept that there will be differences in views about life from others and that certain people will always be nasty due to their attitude or experiences whether you like it or not; it becomes easier to shut out the noise and keep going. Feed yourself with positive energy and good vibes.

Adopt a lifestyle that simplifies day-to-day interactions and protects you from having to compromise.

Ps: This isn’t a call to ignore positive criticism or input from people who genuinely care.