“I’m constantly amazed by how easily we love ourselves above all others, yet we put more stock in the opinions of others than in our own estimation of self…How much credence we give to the opinions our peers have of us and how little to our very own!” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

Other people’s thoughts and opinions are not in your control. Although it is natural to want attention and the security of belonging, you cannot guarantee that you will be accepted and not rejected. Emotions are involved either way. Be true to yourself; know your values and your drives; make your own plans; live in the here-and-now. Put social media down and value yourself first for a change.

With the extra 1-2 minutes of daylight you have every day this week, go and stand in the open air and simply notice the ‘real’ world out there. Be reassured by the way that the birds and worms don’t express any opinion about you, how you look or what you think. They’re busy getting on with living.