Everybody Likes Me?

I saw a post the other day that kind of hit me.  It said “I don’t like people that need everyone to like them.”  Right away I was thinking yes that is so true!  We are so fixed on what people think and naturally want everyone to like us.  I know personally I worry a little too much about it to the point that maybe I don’t do what is best for me soon enough.  I always arrive at the point I need to go eventually, but usually I put myself through entirely too much inner turmoil before it!  

A piece I made for one of the best of friends! I loved getting to work on something very different from anything I have done before!

As I reflected on the post, I thought about my first reaction, then I thought about the people that I like to be around.  Some of my favorite people are those who have strong personalities and really don’t worry if people like them or not.  I wonder if at some point I might be that way, is it life experience that makes you that way, or is it just the way we are from the beginning?  So, in contradiction of my initial reaction, I think at times I might be one of those people who needs people to like them or needs a positive response to things I am working on. 

I have decided that I am going to work on myself even more, I am not going to wait for the “someday I will be like that” outcome.  Life is too short to stress about people liking me or liking my work.  Yes, I want to always be kind. I want to always care for other’s feelings, and I want to be a good example.  I do not want, however, to put my happiness on the back burner for worrying about how what makes me happy makes other’s feel. 

My girl going into the Will Rogers for the first time! One of the many moments lately that have been very special!

When it comes to my artwork, I am trying to apply this as well.  I want to focus on what I am achieving and how it all makes me feel to look at what this year has given me.  It does not matter how many people like my posts or how many orders I get in a month.  I certainly want to grow this business and eventually make a living doing the things that I love to do, but I have to take in all of the joy that getting better at what I am doing in general makes me feel.  I have to love the process no matter what response the finished product gets.  If it isn’t overwhelmingly good reviews then I can go make it better, putting a positive spin on it!  Not everyone will like my work or even me, but that’s ok.  It is different tastes and different personalities that make the world go-round. 

As far as people go, it is better to be loved fiercely by few than to be liked by many.  Always be the best person that you can be and work hard to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.  I am making the conscious effort to improve in the areas that I need to work on, and, really, that is all we can do as people.  This post was not about preaching, which I guess it could be taken that way.  As I have said before, blogs are about being real as often as possible.  I think I am a little cursed with overthinking, but if someone can get something great out of it then maybe it is a blessing as well!