Validation Stagnation

Too many of us are ruled by the opinions of others, we do, say and act in whatever way we feel will be most well received by others. Treating life as a popularity contest rather than carving our own lanes and doing what we love. There has been far too many times in my life that I have let others dictate the way I live my life and it has taken years of work to build the strength of character enough to say no, I will live the way I want to live and do the things I want to do because that is what is best for me. I know my intentions and I know who I am, do you?