Focus on the Important Things

The Important Things: What Really Matters

By Alyson Winn-Lagergren

September 11th, 2026

The important things: The people, ideas, values, and activities that bring joy to your life. The important things: realizing that as you get older, other people’s opinions of you don’t matter; social media isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be; and distractions are everywhere. So how do we navigate this new world of technology, with constant reminders of how others view you, what you think about, and distractions galore?

This week really got me thinking about how others view you, and how it can really get to you and under your skin, changing how you view yourself in the process. In reality, it shouldn’t; you are your amazing self and no one can change that, but it’s hard to not let others’ opinions of yourself slip into your mindset. I’ve had my fair share of friends and co-workers who have thought less of me for something I did that they didn’t agree with; whether it was finally standing up for myself, putting forth my idea after having been quiet about it for awhile, how I dress, what I watch, how I speak, and my upbringing. Honestly, anything you can think of, someone has commented on it and disagreed with it. I’m sure this is true for everyone; someone has commented on something they disagreed with or thought less of and it’s just stuck with you all these years. A wise person recently told me that for every bad comment said to you, it takes at least 5 good compliments to erase it from our minds. It’s so sad that one negative comment can outweigh the good that’s happening in our lives every day.

After having dealt with another person who disagreed with me after I stood up for myself, my ideas, and my values this week, I realized that it doesn’t matter what they think. I’m usually a person who does my own thing and don’t really care what others think of me as I do my best to be a kind, good person every day. But sometimes I do care what others think of me; if they think I’m doing a good job, if they think I’m doing enough, etc. But, enough’s enough. To me, this is what matters: as long as you are trying your best to be a good human being, then other people’s opinions of you don’t matter. Play on; continue the good that you are bringing to this world, and continue along your path. You were put there for a reason; continue being a kind person, help those around you, and I truly believe it will come back to you tenfold.

A quote that really helps me to put things into perspective and to remember not to dwell on what other people think of what I’m doing, “I did my best, and I’m at peace with it.” This reminds me that what other people think doesn’t matter; I did my best, I did all I could to make it a great day or good situation, and I’m at peace with it. There’s nothing more I can do. That’s a hard realization for me; it’s hard to not be able to do anything more, but to realize that what you are doing IS enough. It IS good, and you ARE doing amazing.

Social media and other technology distractions are a great reminder of what other people are thinking of; it’s on your feed constantly, reminding you that you’re “missing out” or should think they way others do and good things will happen to you like what’s happening to them. Remember, social media is edited. It’s not reality; it’s a cropped, edited version of their life. Just as one person’s comment of you and their opinion of you is based on ONE thing, social media is also based on ONE snapshot of their life. It doesn’t define who you are. Having one person make one comment, or looking at one picture of someone online, doesn’t give them the full picture. I had to remind myself of this earlier this week as well; having one person make one comment about something I’m doing or not doing doesn’t mean that overall I’m not doing amazing. In fact, I am doing amazing. I’m doing my best every day to make others smile, remind myself of the important things in life, and surround myself with the good that’s happening in my life daily. That’s what really matters-family, blessings given to us every day and noticing them, practicing thankfulness, surrounding yourself with positivity, and doing the things you love. Whether it’s playing music, sewing, reading, walking, or having a cup of coffee with a loved one, that’s what really matters. Do what makes you happy, and play on! Keep your chin up; you are doing great! Don’t listen to what other people think of you; keep spreading joy and blessings unto others and it will come back to you, showering you with all the good. So as you go about your day, remember this: you did your best, and that’s all that matters.

~Alyson Winn-Lagergren~