Many of us have learned to control the responses of others by always being pleasing and charming. Maybe we feel it's better to have others like us than to take a stand.

 Maybe we only feel okay about ourselves if others approve.

Some of us have certainly learned we have a sense of power and control over people when they like us.

Many of us have carried our people-pleasing behavior so far that we have really sold our souls for the applause of others.

Are there problems or tensions in our lives from trying to please someone? 

Is fear of criticism preventing us from taking an action that would be good for us?

Have we neglected our inner voice by listening so hard to others? 

As we get stronger, healthier, more fully into our manhood, not everyone will like us. Some people will be angry; others, not interested.

Once we have faced our own life crises, we are not so dependent on having everyone's approval.

They don't think about whistling or trumpeting or sleeping or changing the world.

They've figured out their role on earth, and they do it. 

We are a bit more complex than crickets, and most of the time that's lucky.

In most of our affairs it's our conscience more than sheer instinct that helps us choose those thoughts and acts and feelings that are right for us. 

Each of us has that little voice inside, relentless as a chirping cricket, telling us what to do.

Even in the middle of our toughest decisions, we always have within us the solution that is right for us.

All we have to do is listen -- and trust.