Bullying and Peer Pressure Does Not End In the Playground

[Krissy]

Childhood brings up many memories -- school, playing with our friends and enjoying holidays with our family. It can also bring back those uncomfortable remembrances of peer pressure. Were we wearing the right clothes, hanging out with the right crowd or doing the right things to fit in?

Now we're adults. We don't give in to childish things like peer pressure. Or do we? We thought we left this stuff back on the playground of yester-year. No such luck.

It should come as no surprise that you're probably still dealing with peer pressure. It shapes our lives in many ways. Because we're naturally wired to want others to like and acknowledge use, we adopt behaviors that serve the needs of others before our own. We sell ourselves out.

Eager to receive approval, we find ourselves caving in to family-of-origin expectations, and advice from friends. Even though the actions we take are counter to what makes us happy, and against what we know is right for our person, we still do them. It's not easy to change because we're afraid of offending others and receiving their disapproval.

Well, it's time to stop. We must garner the courage to live an authentic life. And, that means being in integrity to ourselves. We must take ownership for our lives. I'm not saying it's easy, but if you want to live your life, rather than someone else's, then you need to make the decision AND take the actions to make that happen.

Keep these ideas in mind:

1. At the end of life, you'll want to think back on having done the things you wanted to do - not what others wanted you to do. Do the things that bring joy and happiness to your life. Don't leave this earth with regrets.
2. No one is a better authority on you, your needs, and your wants and desires than you. So why would you listen to others? Listen to you.
3. Do what feels right for you. What's good and right and workable for someone else might be completely wrong or even harmful to you and your life.
4. Avoid people who like to give advice - especially the kind you're not asking for. You're an adult and you're well past needing a mommy or daddy to tell you what to do.
5. If those around you can't accept you as you are, then you need to find other people to hang out with. Relationships built on conditions are not relationships - they're power plays at your expense. Accept yourself as the perfect being that you are.

Live Into Your Greatness Everyday,

Krissy

P.S. Nothing beats coaching if you need someone in your corner, supporting you as you make and act on decisions that you think are right for you - rather than doing what others think you should do.

Contact me today if you think coaching might be right for you right now, and we will set up a time for a trial session so that you can decide for yourself.

[Sunny Cervantes]

"If those around you can't accept you as you are, then you need to find other people to hang out with."

Yes, that's why I hang out with you, K. :)

[Krissy]

And that's why I hang out with you Sunny :-)