You’re not going to die if someone doesn’t like you,
you will survive.
~ Rita Moreno (from the Queen Latifah Show)
I first heard of this quote last week when I was watching The Queen Latifah Show on TV. One of the guests was Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress, Rita Moreno. She just happens to be the only Hispanic who has won all four of the major annual American awards and that means she has an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony. Wow!
What’s amazing about her though is that she is one of those women who paved the way for feminism. With the way she talks and with how she has handled herself all these years in Hollywood as a Hispanic woman, you can just tell that she’s one tough cookie.
Apparently, she’s also famous for this quote that I have chosen for this week (by the way, I do plan on doing Quote of the Week from now on, hehe!). I really, really like this quote because it speaks to me and embodies how I’ve been living my life these past several years.
When I was younger, I used to want to be liked by everybody. I guess, the allure of popularity is just normal for most teenage girls. Also, growing up, I was surrounded by family who were always concerned about image. To them, image is everything. So, it made me always conscious about everything I said and did. I was always careful about ruining my image.
Because of that, I always did what was expected of me, even if it was against my better judgement. I wish I was stronger then. Strong enough to stand my ground and fight for what I thought and believed in. If only I fought for what I wanted, I would have avoided several incidents in my life that just eventually hurt me and my family.
But thankfully, I eventually realized that being liked doesn’t guarantee success or happiness. I’m not saying that being liked is a bad thing. Of course, it’s not. In fact, being well-liked has a lot of advantages too. I guess, you just have to be careful that you’re liked for the person you really are and not because of what you can do for other people or of an image you’re trying to protect.
What matters is that you’re REAL not fake. Be true to who you are. Be AUTHENTIC.
It was only when I consciously decided that I don’t care anymore what others think of me that I started living the life I really wanted to live. So what if some people don’t agree with my decisions? So what if some don’t believe in me or belittle me? So what if they hate my guts? So what if they don’t understand where I’m coming from and just continue judging me based on what they think they see? Who cares? I certainly don’t.
The point is, my happiness doesn’t depend on other people’s opinions of me anymore. And that just makes me feel FREE. I’m happy living my life with my own little family. I’m happy that the people I love feel the same towards me. I’m happy that I finally get to pursue my passion. That’s all that matters to me.
Rita Moreno is definitely right.
What do you think of this quote?
Thanks you very much for this quotes. It makes my day.
Daniel Sitoabasi recently posted…Why You Should Never Ever Give Up
Very timely for what I’m going through right now. I’ve known this quote since I was in high school and yes, it keeps me going on in life and just forget about all the haters. After all, I wasn’t born to please them 🙂
AprilandtheCity.com recently posted…Foods to Help you Lose Weight
I love Rita Moreno! And I also don’t really care much if people don’t like me. I think I have more than enough people in my life who do to make up for it anyway.
Patty | MrsC recently posted…3
Well, sometimes, there are things that you personally prioritize than others. if, in your view that what matter most to you is your family, then, so be it, and go for it. With regards to your body, that you want something to change, then, that’s your decision to make and not for others. It all depends on what you want in life, than, life wants you to be dependent.
Don’t think about others. If they will not like you, so be it. It doesn’t define you it defines who they are. People will judge you no matter what will you do. Whether its for good or bad they had something to say.
silaytambayan.com recently posted…A Brief History of Masskara Festival
Ohhh.. I’m one survivor. With the number of people who doesn’t like me, I’d die if I mind all of them. I never expect nor force people to like me.
Paulline @ milastolemyheart recently posted…Monday Morning Surprises
That’s true, we don’t have to please everybody to be happy. We just have to please the one’s that matter.
Franc Ramon recently posted…Incoming: Splash N Dash Aquathlon
I loved this quote!! I had to stop and think and take it in when I first read it, which is weird considering it’s so short. Relevant in my life. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Sam recently posted…Mt. Maculot Rockies — Majestic View for a Sweat-Free Climb
We cannot please everyone. Should be a happy and positive thought to live by!
Que Sullano – Gavan recently posted…Crocs Chameleon for Toddlers
A very inspiring woman, with that achievement in life I guess I will be proud of what I am and who I am.
Manu Kalia recently posted…Low Back Flexibility Exercise Using Tennis Balls
Like I said, people can be the wind beneath your wings, or an anchor to your boat! Plus, happiness is a choice, and your choice to be happy with your “little” family, is the most rewarding one, ever! Handle your biz!
Millie recently posted…3 Ways To Rekindle Your Relationship | Retreat, Refuel, and Recharge #Relationships
A lot of things have changed in me when I had my children, after all, the focus has shifted from being all about to all about what’s best for the family. I have never really been the type who craves for everyone to like, I learned early on in life that it’s exhaustingto do that. But….it was hard for me to say no before, even at the expense of things that are important to me or my health.
But it’s different now. I’ve learned to say no and no longer feel that urge to explain myself or defend myself, even, for my decisions. 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac recently posted…Refueling the motors of the home schooling dad (Homeschooling conference 2014 Part 1)
The qoute = so true. I’ve stopped caring about what other people think or when relationships fall out. I’ve come to make peace that if people stick around and show they care or like you, they’re for keeps. Those who disappear aren’t worth your time.
Roxi – Mr. Jacob’s Mom recently posted…Joaquin’s Birth Story Pt. 2: My Repeat CS
This is so me! 🙂
Reigne recently posted…Mila Stories 13: Just Some Random Craziness
This is one of the lessons I get to learn this year. Now I dont care as much about what other people think or say about me as long as I know I dont hurt anyone. People just can be pleased at times.
Jho Tacorda recently posted…Press Release: FYI Coming to Asia in Fall 2014