"Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions."

That idea really hits home, doesn’t it? It’s like a wake-up call to take back control of your emotions and mental space from those who don’t deserve it. We’ve all been there—someone says something hurtful, dismisses you, or doesn’t appreciate you, and you end up stewing over it for days. Why give them that power?

Think about it. You’re letting someone who contributes almost nothing positive to your life dictate how you feel. It’s like handing over the keys to your happiness to a stranger. Why should someone who barely lifts a finger for your well-being have such a hold on you? It’s time to reclaim that energy for yourself.

Let’s take a walk down history. This sentiment echoes through the ages. Philosophers like Epictetus, who lived around 55-135 AD, preached about focusing only on what we can control—our own thoughts and actions. He believed external opinions shouldn’t dictate our inner peace. This wisdom isn’t just ancient; it’s timeless.

Now, let’s paint a picture with a real-life scenario. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer who works tirelessly. Her colleague, Mark, is constantly belittling her efforts. He criticizes her designs, often without any constructive feedback. Sarah goes home upset, questioning her skills, and obsessing over his comments. She starts losing sleep, and her work suffers.

But then, Sarah has an epiphany. Why is she letting Mark, who does nothing to help her grow, control her feelings? She decides to focus on feedback from people who matter—her boss, clients, and mentors who appreciate her hard work. She sets boundaries, reducing her interactions with Mark, and suddenly, she’s sleeping better, feeling more confident, and producing her best work.

Want to apply this to your life? Start by identifying the ‘Marks’ in your world. Who are the people that drain your energy without contributing anything positive? Next, set boundaries—limit your exposure to their negativity. Focus instead on those who support and uplift you. It’s like tending a garden; water the plants that bloom, not the weeds.

Imagine you’re at a party, and someone makes a snide remark about your outfit. You could let it ruin your night, replaying their words in your head, feeling self-conscious. Or, you could shrug it off, remembering that their opinion holds no weight compared to your friends who love your quirky style. Which option sounds better?

Here's a personal story to drive it home. When I was in high school, there was this girl, let’s call her Jenny, who always had something negative to say about me. Whether it was my clothes, my hair, or my taste in music, she had an opinion, and it wasn’t kind. For a while, I let it get to me. I’d spend hours in front of the mirror, second-guessing my choices, and feeling miserable. Then, I realized something—Jenny’s life wasn’t exactly something I aspired to. She wasn’t happy, and her criticisms were more about her own insecurities than about me. So, I stopped caring. I focused on my friends, my passions, and my self-worth. Gradually, her words lost their power over me.

So next time, when you find someone’s negativity creeping into your mind, ask yourself: Do they really deserve this much control over my emotions? Chances are, the answer is a resounding no. Take that control back. It’s your mind, your feelings—let’s keep them in the hands of those who matter, especially yours.