Don’t lie. We have all been critical of others. At some point in our lives we have criticized someone because of the way they dress, speak, look, how they live, what they eat, etc. I will admit, I’ve done it. I used to do it all the time. However, when people started to criticize me and the way I live and do things is when I said to myself, “they don’t even know me or my story”, and it was then that I decided to not be critical of others anymore. It was then I said I would get to know someone before I made an opinion about them, and even if I didn’t agree with their choices, I would respect them. We all have the right to be who we want to be in this world. Frankly, it’s none of my business how someone dresses, eats, and lives. If their choices make them happy, I respect that. Who’s to say that MY opinions are right anyways? They are my thoughts and my preferences. That is what makes life great. We all have the choices to be whoever we want to be. It’s great to be an individual. People are the way they are for a reason. We often judge others based on our own backgrounds and experiences. If you want to know something about someone, ask them. Know someone’s story before you are quick to judge them. You may be judging someone on something they cannot control.

When I did my first figure competition, oh god were people critical. “She’s on steroids, she looks like a man, she must be starving herself, she probably doesn’t eat, blah blah.” Did it bother me at first?  Yes. Does it bother me now? No. In fact, it makes me laugh. I know exactly what I did to get to that day on stage, and most of the criticisms people made were false. Regardless of what you do, you must not care what people think of you. I know this sometimes can be hard, but no matter what, there will ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS someone who will judge you in a negative way. You cannot please everyone in this world, and if you spend your time trying to convince that ONE negative person who criticizes you, you’re missing out on all the people who respect you. Trying to make that ONE person happy is a waste of your time. That one person will always put you down no matter what. Don’t make time for people like that in your life. Living happy means being surrounded by people who are willing to know your story and respect you and your choices. I don’t have time for people who are going to tear me down. That’s why I don’t pay attention to them. I do a lot of things in my life that people don’t understand. I have plenty of habits that others don’t. But if you are willing to ask me and get to know me, you may be surprised as to why I do the things I do. Instead of talking behind someone’s back, ask them their story. If you still don’t agree, that’s ok, still give them respect. Live as an individual and be different. If things you love are not the “norm” it’s ok. Happiness is what everyone strives for in this life,  so don’t judge someone’s happiness. That is for them to decide. As always, live awesome.

Abby