Opinions don't matter...

During a spirited conversation with a close friend, a thought came to me.  As we spoke about being constrained by the opinions and considerations of others and the impressions they may have about our decisions, it struck me that the beauty of being a woman in her late 30s (and beyond) is the freedom that comes with self-determination. I said to her, "The goal is to make decisions for yourself, by yourself, and without regard for anyone but yourself."  She asked me to write it down for her. It was a great mantra for me. That statement reminded me to release myself from the desire for approval and consultation.  It is my goal to live in the authority of self-awareness and self-confidence and to have the courage to exercise my intelligence and passion to create the present and the future I deserve and desire.

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I only read one horoscope and it is published weekly.  This horoscope, Free Will Astrology, is published in the Village Voice.  Whether or not the stars have inspired these thoughts, I think this sage advice will provide an opportunity for me to mature, emotionally as well as spiritually.

VIRGO [August 23–September 22] "Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all," said Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, and now I'm offering it for you to use. Try this experiment: For seven days, divest yourself of your opinions. And I mean all of them: opinions about politicians, celebrities, immigration reform, rockabilly music, your friends' choices in mates—everything. For this grace period, be utterly nonjudgmental and open-minded and tolerant. Allow everything to be exactly what it is without any need to wish it were otherwise. By experiment's end, you'll probably feel more relaxed than you have in a long time.

So, how do I put the snark and judgment on vacation for the week?