Bring on the ridicule. I revel in it kek. People just need to ask themselves two questions: Will I allow myself to be controlled by someone else's opinion of me, and do I get anything tangible from it? If the answer is no to both, and one can be honest with themselves that this is truly the case, then that removes any obstacle that will get in their way.

Although I despise his insipid communist, propagandist wife and his politics, Steve Jobs did have a great philosophy on life, and consequently, a great quote: "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." And dammit, he was absolutely right.