Those who get the most approval in life are those
Who care the least about it and people who get
The least approval are those who go after it
With a passion perhaps because they feel unfit
Deep inside for approval. They often regret
Their decisions to go against what the heart knows.

Paradoxically if you want approval
Then you have to stop concerning yourself with it.
Think about those who get it. They couldn’t care less
About what others think of them. They have access
To the wisdom within them. They will not permit
Outside circumstances to affect their morale.

When you’re so busy being that you don’t have time
To notice what the neighbors are doing then you
Can concern yourself only with that which rings true
In your heart. Never mind what other people do.
One may think that this is a selfish point of view
And it is. It’s the only path to the sublime.

Put yourself before others. Stop people pleasing.
It’s important to compromise once in a while
But not always. Practicing saying ‘no’ kindly
Is essential to your being ultimately
In a place where you offer a genuine smile.
Your sense of self-worth is truly worth reseizing.