Surrender Thoughts, Judgments, and Opinions of Others

Since launching my conscious business two years ago, I’ve been flooded with thoughts about how I should run things and what I need to do to “enhance” my work. What I’ve realized is that many of these thoughts and feelings are contradictory.

“You should put yourself out there more.”

“You’re too available.”

“You should teach more yoga classes.”

“You shouldn’t lead with yoga.”

“You’re not ready, you’re too green, you’re too young.”

“It seems like you’re pushing.”

“You have to market more.”

“You’ve done enough training, it’s time to make money.”

“You should charge more.”

“You’re charging too much.”

“You should reach out to everyone you know.”

“You shouldn’t reach out to anyone; they should come to you.”

“You talked too much about your acne in your last women’s circle.”

“It’s so brave how you share your acne journey.”

“Less is more.”

“Your offerings seem hidden—do you fear being seen?”

“You don’t need a traditional degree to do your work.”

“Getting a traditional degree would help you immensely.”

“You talk too much.”

“You didn’t lead enough, you took too much of a backseat.”

It’s endless.

I used to let every opinion affect me, thinking that adjusting my approach based on others' feedback was the key to improving my business. People-pleasing and making choices without relying on my own judgment are outdated ways of operating. Having once viewed external advice as the ultimate truth, my own insights sidelined. Additionally, trying to please everyone can create contradictions; what satisfies one may conflict with another.

The obvious yet difficult task was pleasing myself, first and foremost. Was I happy with how I was showing up? Was I content with the suite of my offering? Did I feel aligned?

In recent years, a powerful tool has emerged: intuitive discernment. Instead of deferring to those around me, I began to take time to pause and cultivate an internal sense of knowing.

Recognizing that another’s perceptions of my work often stem from their unresolved issues has been enlightening. The traits we find off-putting in others often reflect aspects of ourselves that we struggle to accept.

While everyone's judgments and opinions are valid for them, they do not represent universal truths. There is no right or wrong way to support or show up for oneself. Remaining committed to integrity, generosity, and service allows for the release of external judgments.

I am aligned.

Embrace what feels constructive and let go of the rest.

Being seen means accepting that judgment is a natural part of the experience. Ultimately, trusting oneself while maintaining a courageous and clear self-view is key.

Letting go of “shoulds” has been liberating, as I've realized that the world is much more vibrant than a single set of rules or suppositions. I will continue to share my journey and offerings, understanding that they will resonate with some and not with others—and that's completely okay. Authenticity involves expressing myself openly without carrying the weight of others’ opinions.

MadHealing is my journey. I walk it with conviction, unbound by narrow expectations. Use this as your sign to blaze your own path. Release anything that makes you feel small or lesser than.

Trust yourself and your choices. Only you know best!

Get out of your own way,

Madeline