I love this quote because it focuses on one of the most valuable commodities you could ever possess which is: CHARACTER. Everyone wants to be liked, accepted and respected for who they are but unfortunately we cannot be every thing to every person.  And no matter how kind, generous, loving and selfless someone is, somebody somewhere will have something negative to say about them.  Some people will love how attentive you are when listening to them and others will feel like you don’t talk enough. Some will love how funny you are and how you always want to show people a good time and others will think you take too much space.

Let’s face it, it is simply impossible to please everyone so what is one to do?

Today’s quote says: “Live in such a way, that if someone spoke badly of you no-one would believe it.”  

What the author is basically saying is to focus on your character and don’t worry about the rest. If you live your life in such a way that the majority of the people you encounter have a positive experience in your presence, the criticism of a few will not matter. People will find a way to criticize you but as long as you live with integrity their slender will not taint your reputation.

A great resource I found to help build my character is the Bible and whether you are a christian or not the Bible truly has some of the best advice on this subject. Here are some of my favorites:

Luke 6: 31 (NIV)

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Galatians 5: 22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Philippians 4: 8 (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

There are a lot more verses on the subject here.

Stay Conscious + Chic!