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Antonio Castellaneta's avatar

Perhaps real freedom isn't about refusing to hear other people's judgments, but knowing where they must stop. Criticism can teach us something about what we've done without earning the right to define who we are. Listening without handing someone else our identity: I think that's where the difference lies.

𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄's avatar

Great read.

The part about continuing the work for them after they’ve already left really hits. We give other people’s words far more life than they often intended them to have.

RespectThis's avatar

This hits hard. What's always been hard for me personally is that I've grasped these concepts for a very long time. However, the actual process of getting to a place where that dial remains internal is hazy and confusing at times.

The words are wise, but what is the process to achieve this state of mind?

How do we simply "shut off" external validation? I know confidence and self-esteem are probably the largest factors that affect the value we place on external analysis of self vs our own self-analysis. I suppose that those are built up differently for different people to a degree but things like exercise, a rich inner world, fulfillment, etc are all vital. Thanks for the article.

Heyneul's avatar

This is so great….

But can anyone answer my question if I’m to spill it on here