dita-von-teese-gets-private-cointreau-05

Disapproval

Did you know that one of the greatest regrets of people on their death bed is that they lived the life that other people wanted for them. They weren’t true to themselves. They made people pleasing choices. They feared disapproval and rejection.

dita-von-teese-gets-private-cointreau-05
I bet Dita’s granny had a fit when she told her that she wanted to be burlesque performer (but aren’t we glad she did it anyway?!)

Being yourself – your most glorious, unfettered self – is hard and will inevitably attract disapproval. On that point, I give you this wonderful poem by Sophie Hannah:

If People Disapprove Of You

Make being disapproved of your hobby.

Make being disapproved of your aim.

Devise new ways of scoring points In the Being Disapproved Of Game.

Let them disapprove in their dozens.

Let them disapprove in their hordes.

You’ll find that being disapproved of Builds character, brings rewards.

Just like any form of striving

Don’t be arrogant; don’t coast On your high disapproval rating.

Try to be disapproved of most.

At this point, if it’s useful,

Draw a pie chart or a graph.

Show it to someone who disapproves.

When they disapprove, just laugh.

Count the emotions you provoke: Anger, suspicion, shock.

One point for each of these

And two for each boat you rock.

Feel yourself warming to your task – You do it bloody well.

At last you’ve found an area

In which you can excel.

Savour the thrill of risk without

The fear of getting caught.

Whether they sulk or scream or pout,

Enjoy your new-found sport.

Meanwhile all those who disapprove

While you are having fun

Won’t even know your game exists

So tell yourself you’ve won.

Go forth and be bold, my lovelies!

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