Kenny Loggins, of Loggins and Messina fame, has supplied my second quotable quote, and I’m sure that’s exactly why he said it.
Loggins was being interviewed for one of Oprah’s shows after she sent her cameras somewhere, and he was asked about popularity or something.
His answer was a lot more memorable than the question.
If how you feel about yourself relies upon how the audience feels about you you’re screwed, because sooner or later you’re not going to be cool anymore.
— Kenny Loggins
Someone once asked me if I read opinions from those who read my articles in the newspaper. I’ll read them, but I try not to dwell on them. Every once in a while I’ll send a, “Thank you” email if I am alerted of a compliment, or a reply explaining why something was written a certain way.
That approach may sound standoffish, but it’s not meant to be. Readers’ comments, opinions, vent sessions and suggestions are always appreciated. A lot of the time they are right.
Loggins is also right, because becoming too wrapped up in what others think is dangerous.
If you’ve read this blog for a while you may know I have cerebral palsy.
It’s a part of me, but it doesn’t define me. It’s not all I am.
It’s the same way with a career or anything else. A job is a part of you. When you allow yourself to be defined by a job or what others think of your work, you’re on a slippery slope.
Once, earlier in my career, someone decided something I had written deserved an award for some reason. I was on cloud nine for a while, but the feeling was fleeting. I still haven’t seen my award, which was for second place and is in a box somewhere in the newspaper office.
I’ve been on the other end of the spectrum, too. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. People have seen me fall on my face, and sometimes literally. I’ve failed a lot, personally and publicly in print, but I hope to always learn from mistakes and grow because of them.
Try not to think too highly of yourself, or let yourself get too low. Don’t define yourself by a job you do, and don’t place your self esteem solely in what others think about you.
When you make a mistake, it’ll be a lot easier to get up and dust yourself off if you know your worth doesn’t depend on whether you’re the life of the party or you’re kicked to the curb.
Casey's Column 