We are not what we do.  We are not what we have.  We are not what others think of us.  We lose sight of ourselves if we allow ourselves to be defined in any of these ways.  Once we find who we are inside, apart from outside opinions, we can then begin to utilize exterior forces to assist us.  When we truly find ourselves, both criticism and praise can serve as valuable counselors and friends.  When we know who we are, we are not changed or detoured by anything exterior; we are merely sharpened and honed by it.  When we know ourselves, the assimilation of people's opinions, critiques and admiration happens more effectively and less painfully.
 
When people's opinions of us are not defining us, they can serve to refine us.  Outside forces can only help refine us if we never give them the power to define us!  Make your mark. Walk your path.  When you do this, the natural result is to let others walk their path as well; even if it is different from your own.  When we find the courage to be ourselves and accept ourselves, we can then find the freedom to accept others.
 
A true seeker of truth embraces it wherever it can be found.  And, there is so much of God's truth in the world that if we truly are seekers, our conscience will forbid us from settling in any one pasture!
 
As followers of Christ, we must learn to find the Christ outside of Christianity.
 
We must find the courage to affirm the Christ wherever and whenever we find Him.
 
We must allow ourselves to see the Christ in all of His creation.