I suppose I’d hoped that when I left school, the world of being taunted, ridiculed and pressured would have been left in the playground – if only life was that simple.
To some degree peer pressure gets worse as we get older. Sometimes it’s the “keeping up with the Jones’ syndrome” where we feel pressured to buy the newest and best of everything, or shop in certain shops and wear certain brands.
It’s how we handle it that matters.
The latest bout of peer pressure I’ve experienced has come in the form of “The Ice Bucket Challenge” and has been spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. If you’ve not come across it, the idea is that you tip iced water over yourself and film it before nominating a couple of friends to raise awareness or funds for charity.
I’m not against the fundraising elements as regular readers will know, although some of the reports have shown the charities in poor light (google it and make up your own mind). I simply object to being told I have to do something, put pressure on others to do it or donate extra funds to a charity if I don’t.
I’ve been nominated twice and have felt comfortable declining the invitation. How many people out there have done this against their better judgement?
So a big well done to all of you who have embraced the challenge and donated to your chosen charity, you deserve praise.
For those that have felt pressured to to do this or share statuses on their social media to show that they care about various aspects of life, remember you do have a choice. You have choice in everything in life. It is easy to feel pressured into doing things and then we can hold bad feeling about the person who instigated it or guilty if we don’t.
IT IS OKAY TO SAY “NO”
It is equally important that when we do say “no” we remember it is also our choice to feel guilty and that no one else makes you feel that way. Remind yourself of that and let go of the guilt.
If you carry guilt with you over everyday decisions – it is time to start letting go. Call Carolyn today on 
07714 216388 to book your free 45 minute kick start session and start liver a free life now.
words and pictures copyright Reflections Coaching 2014
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