The Echoing Essence of Voices
Some people are born with the ability to simply be resilient to the voices of influences around them. Unfortunately, I was not.
At what point do we stop listening to the voices around us?
I'm a 19 year-old-only child, and yet I find myself hyper-fixating on everyone else’s advice. I listen to my mom’s guidance, my dad’s constructive criticism and even my friends' opinions. I’m a grown adult, living on my own, and these voices still influence the way I go through life. I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing, but maybe it’s time to start thinking more for myself. I’d like to say this journey of self-discovery starts from within, but I'm not quite sure if that’s it.
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I seek validation and answers in other people’s words. What power does that person’s voice truly have over my own? In reality, they shouldn’t.
Growing up, the echoing thoughts of voices lingered with me.
“Why aren’t you coming out tonight? These are your college years.”
“Who invited you to sit with us?”
“You can do so much better than him.”
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Now, I find myself questioning why I don’t have the energy to go out, on nights I know I need rest. I appreciate my friends, but wonder if they ever get sick of me. But of course, I seek validation in my peers at times when I bring a boy into my life.
These feelings stem from comments that were made to me at young crucial stages of life. While I try to not let them affect me, I still defer to the times people have said these things to me. I tried to brush it away, but the comments always stuck. As I grow older, I try to listen to my own thoughts and feelings first because I should be the sole determinant of my actions, not anyone else.
I’m not a 13-year-old girl anymore needing guidance, but as a young adult, I look back on the small comments I received from my acquaintances. Nothing is wrong with holding yourself accountable to things that will better your life. But advice, depending on the source it’s coming from, can be a good or a bad thing. Sure, it's a good thing if the advice is bettering your life, but when it’s not, why are you taking it? Even if it isn’t considered to be “advice,” but commentary, why am I listening when it brings me down?
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I discovered that the best word of advice I received was one I didn’t ask for, but observed over time. I observed it in myself and in others. I realized that in friendships having only a couple loyal, fun and pure friends is possible, and that’s just what I need. Each person needs a different thing.
The concept of quality over quantity: a piece of advice I formulated from my own doing.
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My advice to myself and others is to listen to your own voice and thoughts. The only person who has power over you is yourself. Sure, listen to the opinions of others, but factor that into how you make decisions for yourself. There’s never going to be one right piece of advice for you to take. Instead, factor that advice into who you are and what you need. Continue to choose yourself in your present and future self. There comes a point when you eventually stop doing things for the people around you and you begin doing them for yourself. Make that day be today.
Choose yourself.
Strike Out,
Writer: Madison Ginsberg
Editor: Olivia Hansen
Madison Ginsberg is an editorial writer for Strike Magazine GNV. She loves being outside and always enjoys being in people's company. She can always be found watching the Bachelor at Swamp on Monday's, doing a pilates class or simply just making a charcuterie board! You can reach out to her on Instagram @madisonginsberg, or by email at madisonoliviaofficial@gmail.com
