To some degree or another, I think we are all guilty of
allowing people to rent space inside our head. I’m not talking about the voice
of a trusted friend or mentor who holds you accountable and sometimes tells you
the hard truth you need to hear. That person can become the “angel on the
shoulder” whose advice and influence can keep you from making harmful decisions
even when they’re not present to stop you. No, I’m referring to the negative voices from
people who undermine our hopes and dreams, discount our abilities and worth, and
riddle our mind with doubt. It’s the people who seem to hold us hostage by
their opinions of us. And it’s not that those people are necessarily bad or evil.
In fact, they are probably unhealthy and burdened down by their own fears and negativity.
I feel bad for those types of people. But that doesn’t mean they get to reserve
space in my head and thoughts rent-free.
Consider the people in your life who get to live inside your
head. Are they “paying rent” with encouragement and wisdom? Do their voices nurture
hope and optimism? Or are they more like squatters: abusing the space and
neglecting to pay any rent?
I realize some of those people in your life who spew
negativity and doubt may be family members and close friends, so cutting them
out of your life may not be an option. But you don’t have to allow their words
and opinions to dwell with you. You don’t need to allow them that space inside
your head. It might be time for some evictions!
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