...what we can and can't control


I just spent some time with a bunch of people who are caught up to some degree in how their actions will be perceived by another group of people. When I think about them and their current situation I am reminded of this quote I found: "I cannot control how I am perceived. I can only control how I am presented". This quote really stuck with me and it truly applies to my friends and their situation. If I come with my intentions in tact and I present myself in the manner in which I deem appropriate and in line with my intentions, what happens from that is not up to me. I cannot control how others receive my actions. I can take solace in knowing that I presented myself in a manner that is true to myself. While you may hope that people take your actions at face value, you also have to be able to let it go if they don't. Either way you have to examine how much these people's perception of you and your actions mean to you. If they don't matter, then why should you mind what they think. If they did matter, you won't have to worry about how your actions are perceived. A majority of the people that do matter will know and understand your true intentions. Those will also be the same people who will be able to accept an apology or explaination if your actions are received in the wrong way. Regardless, to invest so much of your time and thought into other's perception of you is a waste.

In summary say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't let worry or concern of how others will perceive you dictate who you are and what you do. You can't please everyone and truthfully at the end of the day the only person you have to answer to is yourself.