"كن دائمًا نفسك وحاول ألا تأخذ أي شيء على محمل شخصي"

Being true to who you are while not internalizing the opinions and actions of others is about finding your authentic self and maintaining your inner peace. It's a simple idea, but one that can be challenging in practice. Essentially, this wisdom encourages you to embrace your individuality and not let external negativity affect your self-worth.

Imagine you're at a family gathering. Your cousin, who always seems to have something to say, criticizes your career choice. It stings, right? But here's the thing—her opinion doesn't define you. You know your path and your reasons. By not taking her words to heart, you protect your peace and stay true to your journey.

This advice is steeped in both ancient wisdom and modern psychology. Think back to the Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius, who emphasized focusing on what you can control—your own thoughts and actions—while letting go of what you can't, such as the opinions of others. More recently, Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements" reiterates this message. One of the agreements is precisely about not taking things personally because what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, not yours.

Let's talk about a real-life example. Consider a young artist named Sarah. She loves painting abstract pieces, but her work is often misunderstood. At her first gallery showing, a critic harshly reviews her pieces, calling them "amateurish." It would be easy for Sarah to take this personally and question her talent. However, she remembers her mentor's advice to always stay true to her unique style and not to let external opinions dictate her self-worth. By not internalizing the criticism, Sarah continues to create, and eventually, she finds her audience—people who truly appreciate her work for what it is.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? First, recognize that not everyone will understand or appreciate you—and that's okay. Their opinions are shaped by their own experiences and biases. Second, practice self-awareness and self-compassion. When you know who you are and what you stand for, it's easier to brush off negative comments. Finally, surround yourself with supportive people who appreciate you for you. They will help reinforce your sense of self when you're feeling vulnerable.

Imagine you're at work, and you've just presented an idea that you're passionate about. A colleague dismisses it, saying it's unrealistic. You feel a pang of hurt and maybe anger. But instead of dwelling on it, you remind yourself that their reaction is more about their perspective than the value of your idea. You take a deep breath, thank them for their input, and continue to develop your idea with the same enthusiasm. Over time, you might find that your persistence and passion win others over.

So, next time someone criticizes you or you feel the sting of rejection, pause and remember this wisdom. Don't take it personally. Know your worth and stay true to yourself. After all, if you aren't yourself, who will be?