“Why do people’s opinions hit me so hard?” — Learning not to internalize ignorance.

Let them think whatever they want.
Let them run circles in their own heads.
Let them name you, misname you,
draw their crooked sketches of who you are.

Their words are paper boats
sinking on still water.
Their imagination has nothing to do with your assignment.

You are not required to respond.
You are not required to adjust.
You are not required to correct, perform, or convince.
Their misunderstanding puts no obligation on your actions.
None.

You do not have to flinch,
explain,
or prove yourself clean
to hands that have never touched truth.

Walk on, beloved.
Let their noise stay behind you.
The path you’re walking was not built by consensus—
it was carved by conviction.

And your steps?
They answer only to the rhythm of your own calling.
No vote required.
No approval pending.

Let them think whatever they want.
You keep shining.
The sun doesn’t file reports to the clouds
before it rises.