What Others Think Of You Is None Of Your Business

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "What others think about you is none of your business." One must remember, dear reader, that words are powerful. Our words can either lift others or tear them down. Sometimes, our words are not meant to be heard, but when spoken loudly in public, an unintended wider audience can be addressed, whether intentional or not. This was my experience at the last Ligonier Country Market. The overheard comments stung a bit and left me feeling misunderstood and annoyed. 

As we stood in our tent, smiling at the crowd and talking with our soap family, a small group had gathered in front of our tent. This happens often, and it's nice to see people out and about, chatting and having a nice time. One woman in the group had a voice that carried above all others. Being that she was directly in front of our tent, it was difficult not to overhear the conversation. The conversation in the group must have turned to employment and the topic of jobs in the area. The woman whose voice carried loud and clear made a disdainful face and stated, "Nobody wants to work because they are all here peddling their wares at this market." She rolled her eyes and said with sarcasm, "Good for them, I guess." 

I was quite taken aback by her apparent disdain for the vendors at the market and small businesses. I wanted to tell her that I can attest that each of these people probably works harder at their business on a Saturday morning, "peddling their wares," than she does at her 9-to-5 job five days a week. Most of these people have been up since before dawn, taken care of business at home, which for many includes farm chores, and have driven a distance. They have been on the grounds since at least 6:00 a.m., setting up an attractive display, climbing, lifting, and strategically placing "their wares" in a pleasing manner so she can show up at 11:00 a.m. with her coffee, and pass judgment on those who are giving their business everything they've got and build something from nothing. I wanted to tell her that these people "peddling their wares" are the ones who are keeping the small family farm alive, are employing neighbors, are adding to the local economy, and are building future businesses that will sustain our area. I also kind of wanted to stick out my tongue at her and give her the finger, but I refrained from all such behaviors. Sometimes, being polite is very overrated.

Although insulted by the judgment and loud conversation, it was not meant for my ears to hear. I was a mere bystander to her judgment, and frankly, her conversation was none of my business. However, when in public, it is best to keep conversations low-key and private, refrain from passing harsh judgment on those providing you with a service, and remember to be tactful. Old adages remain relevant:  if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. 

I guess I never really thought people would "look down their nose" at small businesses in the market. Again, my naivety is somewhat embarrassing for my age. I take great pride in what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. I'm also very proud of my friends for their hard work, creativity, passion, and dedication. I have met some of the very best people I know because of what we do. I never imagined that people would look upon us and what we do with disdain. I guess that is my "Little Mary Sunshine" outlook on life. I would never think of passing judgment on someone who works a traditional job. Not everyone is meant to run a business, be a farmer, or have an entrepreneurial spirit. We all have different strengths, callings, skill sets, and motivation levels. What one finds fulfilling, another finds stifling. These differences make us interesting. 

So, dear reader, I suppose that is what I get for eavesdropping on conversations that aren't meant for me. Although I don't consider it eavesdropping, being that it was in front of my stand and loud enough for all to hear. I'm kind of looking forward to the day when being polite is no longer a goal of mine. I'll be the cranky old lady giving raspberries and the middle finger to people who insult or annoy me. Goals.

On this lovely October day, stay safe, be smart, keep your conversations private, be polite, avoid eavesdropping, set goals, and continue washing your hands.