The Day I Realized Nobody Cares

A few months ago, I was getting ready for a friend’s wedding. I was fretting over which jewelry and shoes I’d wear or what my hairstyle should be.

And then I realized… nobody cares!

In the nicest way, it really didn’t matter. I wasn’t in the bridal party. I didn’t know many guests. I’d probably be sitting in the back table with those who were mismatched. If my hair was frizzy or my jewelry didn’t match, it wouldn’t make a difference.

Since then, I have really tried to embrace that thought: “Nobody cares.”

People are so wrapped up in their own lives that what I wear or do usually doesn’t matter unless it directly impacts them.

• What do I wear to my kids’ soccer game? Nobody cares.
• Can I use dry shampoo for another day in a row? Nobody cares.
• Is it bad that I’m reading yet another Julia Quinn novel? Nobody cares.
• I want to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving! Nobody cares.
• My house doesn’t look like it belongs on Pinterest. Nobody cares.
• My guest bedroom permanently has clean laundry on it, waiting to be folded. Nobody cares.
• I bought my kid’s birthday cake and decorations rather than making them myself. Nobody cares.

I wish I had realized this decades ago! It seems so simple, yet tv, magazines, social media, high school – I’ve grown up always thinking that everybody cares, and it can be paralyzing!

OK so this doesn’t apply for every life situation, but it’s something I try to remind myself of when I am overanalyzing a situation or feeling stressed out. It helps with the little things!

I regularly try to remind myself that what matters are things like:

• The memories you make with your family
• How you feel about yourself
• How you treat others
• Being good to your body
• Staying true to your heart

Yes, I hear about “mom shaming” for breastfeeding versus formula, using pacifiers, not potty training early enough. Are you and your kids healthy? Are you making the best decisions you can for your family? If so, then forget them!

The only people who might comment negatively do so because of how what you do makes them feel. You cannot control how they react to your lifestyle choices and happiness.

If you’re being a good human being and parent, then all of those little things are superfluous.

And, let’s be honest… there is a little bit of “need to survive” here too. If you’d rather take a much-needed nap or watch a movie with your kiddos, then do it!

You do you mama! Good luck!

Maybe I’m the last person to realize all of this, but if not, comment below. I’d love to know if realizing that nobody cares might save you some mental anguish too.