What Will The Neighbors Think?

One of the worst things a mother can do to her children is to say, "What Will The Neighbors Think?"  With these few words my mother set my life with fear, worry and anxiety.  I am sure she only loved me, and had no idea how I would be affected, but......And I'm sure her life was also affected by those words, from her mother or someone.
Of course it is I, myself,  that has allowed those words to bother me, but I didn't learn that until now, in my "Golden Years."  I feel as if I have missed so much of life because of  "what others will think of me."  When in reality it is unlikely that anyone was noticing me at all.  I could not do everyday things like talking to people easily, shopping, or speak up for myself (except in a self-defeating way by becoming mad).  Dress, children car, house, everything had to be perfect, because of what others would think.  Also there was so much fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of everything!!!  Worry, worry, worry.
 Why do we do these things to ourselves?
Today I have found a better way, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I try to do only what God wants and hear only what God says.  He has taught me I don't need anyone's approval before any actions.  We need more self-respect, personal integrity, and to be accountable for just our own actions, knowing that if those actions are guided by the Holy Spirit we can do no wrong.  Dissolve all conflicts immediately by stopping and asking for healing grace, before proceeding with any action.  And forgive yourself and others who you think are controlling you by their thoughts and actions.  Bring Love's light to shine over yourself and everyone else.  Dissolve connections to the past and those "what wills" by replacing them with light and grace.  For really isn't all of life in God's hands?  Why would we need to fear, worry, or care about about what others think.
  Embrace God's grace by allowing it to run through your being, like divine fire, calming your body, inspiring your thoughts, healing your physical pain, preventing you from an accident, guiding your inner journey.  Grace is the breath of God entering into your being while you pray.  Grace is the energy you call upon to help another person in need or comfort, healing or inspiration. 

And this prayer was given to me in my time of need...Maybe it will help you!!!

"God I release all of my fears to you and the reactions I make because of them.  Please change me.  Remove my fears...give me courage to change them and show me the way.  Transform my thoughts, show me what there is to love...send the ego packing.  Please help me to stop hiding my faults and bring them to you so they can be healed.  I stand naked before you in full surrender!  Fill me with your love, remind me who I really am and show me your light.... Teach me to open my heart to love so much that all my fear will melt away.  Show me your mercy when I fall, as I ask your forgiveness for my failures.  Teach me to show love, mercy and comfort to others.  Shower me with you light to dispel all darkness.  Show me your path for my service to you.  Teach me how to walk that path.  Teach me to stop and listen to the Holy instant so I do as you want.  Teach me to listen until I genuinely have something to say.  Teach me to allow your love to flow through me so the ego disappears and my thought will all be of love.  Help me reach for the highest within myself when I am in the presence of others so I do your bidding.   Amen".